Freedom Online Coalition Task Force on AI and Human Rights (TFAIR) – STI Forum 2026 Side Event
The side event will take place during the STI Forum 2026 on 5, 6, or 7 May 2026 (date to be confirmed) at the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, 666 Third Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, with the exact time to be confirmed. This in-person session will feature opening remarks from the host and co-sponsors, expert interventions from government, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, followed by a moderated multistakeholder discussion and an interactive audience Q&A.
Overview
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), governments and stakeholders must ensure that these technologies are deployed responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with human rights. DPI systems underpin essential public services, including healthcare, education, social protection, and justice and play a vital role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This side event, organized by the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) Task Force on AI and Human Rights (TFAIR), will explore practical approaches to governing AI in DPI. It will highlight real-world tools and safeguards that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusion. Building on discussions from the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and linked to initiatives such as the UNDP DPI Safeguards Initiative, the event aims to bridge the gap between policy and implementation.
Objectives
This session seeks to:
- Identify concrete governance tools for the responsible integration of AI into DPI.
- Share global experiences and lessons learned, particularly from countries deploying AI-enabled public digital systems.
- Explore practical policy and operational approaches, including procurement standards, algorithmic transparency, and impact assessments.
- Develop actionable recommendations, pilot initiatives, and collaborative pathways to inform global AI governance.
- Strengthen international cooperation among governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
Expected Outcomes
Participants will generate practical governance recommendations and tools, along with policy and procurement insights to support responsible AI deployment. The session will foster opportunities for international collaboration and contribute valuable inputs to global processes, including the Global Dialogues on AI Governance in Geneva in July 2026.
Guiding Questions
This discussion will be guided by the following questions:
- What concrete tools can governments use to ensure AI within DPI is transparent, accountable, and rights-respecting?
- How can public authorities maintain meaningful human oversight in public–private partnerships?
- What interoperable standards are needed to ensure responsible AI across DPI ecosystems?
- What real-world examples demonstrate effective implementation of safeguards?
- What practical recommendations and partnerships can emerge to support responsible AI deployment?
Provisional Speakers
- Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Host)
- Alex Walden, Global Head of Human Rights, Google
- Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer, United Nations Development Programme
- Sabhanaz Rashid Diya, Executive Director, Tech Global Institute
- Government Representative, Estonia
- Representative of Switzerland
Partners and Co-Sponsors
Co-Host: United Nations Development Programme – Office of Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET)
Co-Sponsors: Switzerland (confirmed); Colombia, Kenya, and Estonia (TBC)
Contact and Registration
Further details, including registration and the final agenda, will be announced soon. For inquiries, please contact the Freedom Online Coalition Support Unit.
