On November 28, 2024, I had the privilege of speaking at the expert consultation on the application of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) to technology companies, particularly regarding artificial intelligence (AI). Held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, this event brought together stakeholders to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in aligning technological innovation with human rights principles.
Advancing Human Rights through the Global Digital Compact
On November 26, 2024, I had the privilege of speaking at the “Implementing Human Rights Objectives through the Global Digital Compact: A Multistakeholder Approach” workshop in Geneva. This gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including member states, private sector leaders, civil society, and UN entities, to discuss the practical implementation of human rights commitments within the Global Digital Compact (GDC).
La diplomatie numérique : une approche centrée sur les droits humains
Le vendredi 22 novembre 2024, j’ai eu l’honneur de participer au séminaire organisé par la Commission nationale consultative des droits de l’Homme (CNCDH) sur la diplomatie numérique. Ce séminaire a réuni des experts issus de divers horizons pour débattre des enjeux et défis liés à l’intégration des droits humains dans la gouvernance numérique et les politiques étrangères.
Human Rights in the Digital Age: Balancing AI, Technology, and Governance in Smart Cities
(Originally published on the Geneva Academy website)
Topic
As digital technologies and AI increasingly shape the infrastructure and governance of urban settings and impact people’s lives in cities, safeguarding human rights becomes a central challenge. Without proper regulation, the widespread use of AI and other technologies risks infringing on fundamental rights and exacerbating inequality and discrimination.
Continue reading
Ensuring Human Rights in Emerging Technologies Through ICT Standards
Date: October 21, 2024
Location: Room C1, WTSA-24, New Delhi, India
On October 21, 2024, the ITU hosted a compelling side event at WTSA-24 in New Delhi to address a vital question in today’s digital landscape: How can ICT standards ensure that human rights are upheld as new and emerging technologies develop? Co-organized by the ITU alongside the European Commission, Czech Republic, France, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), this event gathered experts across governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations.
Continue reading
Les droits humains dans les normes numériques : Le rôle et les défis de l’UIT vus de l’intérieur
Depuis sa création il y a plus de 160 ans, l’UIT a été à l’avant-garde des normes de télécommunications, du télégraphe à l’infrastructure numérique moderne. Olivier examine les défis que représente la promotion de la protection des données, de la vie privée et de la non-discrimination au sein d’une organisation multilatérale hautement technique. En s’appuyant sur les différentes perspectives des 193 États membres, il met en lumière l’équilibre diplomatique nécessaire pour garantir que les valeurs universelles, telles que les droits de l’homme, trouvent leur place dans le paysage évolutif des normes TIC.
Human Rights & ICT Standardisation
(Originally published on the hsbooster website)
On Thursday 6th June 2024 (15:30 – 17:30 CEST) the CSA European Commission funded project StandICT.eu 2026, in collaboration with the HSBooster.eu project, discussed amongst experts working on human rights and standards, the issue of how to ensure Human Rights are considered and dealt with when addressing technical specifications in ICT standardisation.
Enhancing CSO participation in global digital policy processes: Roles, structures, and accountability
(Originally published on the ITU website)
Join us for an insightful session on how the Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) is working to boost CSO participation in global policy processes, including those all-important standard-setting ones. We’ll dive into the evolving roles of CSOs, necessary structural changes, accountability mechanisms, joint GS-GN advocacy, and more. Our goal? To develop clear strategies for more inclusive and effective CSO contributions, especially from stakeholders in the Global South (GS).
Trust in Tech: Navigating Emerging Technologies and Human Rights in a Connected World
(Originally published on the ITU website)
In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, emerging technologies are shaping our world in profound ways, offering immense opportunities for progress, but also presenting complex challenges. Moreover, technical standards play a foundational role in ensuring the interoperability, compatibility, and security of emerging technologies. As we embrace innovations such as artificial intelligence, it becomes increasingly crucial to ensure that these advancements uphold human rights and foster trust among users.
Shaping a Sustainable Future: The Role of Standards and Policy in Ethical AI Development
(Originally published on Youtube)
Join us on an exploration of the pivotal role of standards and policy in guiding AI and human-machine teaming toward a sustainable and dignified future. Our esteemed speakers will shed light on how adherence to these frameworks mitigates technology misuse, safeguarding human rights, and nurturing compassion. Gain invaluable insights into how AI can drive positive change, fostering inclusivity and upholding human and planetary flourishing. Together we can shape a future where ethical AI development leads the way to a more sustainable, prosperous society.