16 September  |  16:00-17:00 ICT

Who Programs Whom? Advancing Business & Human Rights in Crisis-Affected and Marginalized Communities

Organized by:

• International Youth Training Centre

• Access Now

• Article19 Asia

Background

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In the Asia-Pacific region, the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming economies, governance, and community life, but not always for the better. Business and Human Rights (BHR) frameworks, such as National Action Plans (NAPs), rarely account for the unique vulnerabilities of communities in crisis-affected, conflict, or post-conflict contexts, nor do they sufficiently address the realities of Indigenous territories and digitally underserved regions.

In fragile or authoritarian environments, AI systems often designed and implemented without meaningful oversight, can amplify existing inequalities and introduce new forms of harm. This includes the targeting of Indigenous peoples, youth, religious minorities, migrants, and informal workers, many of whom are excluded from formal decision-making on technology governance.

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At the same time, AI holds potential as a force for solidarity, sustainability, and peace if its development is rooted in human dignity, transparency, and community-led values. Integrating interfaith and Indigenous knowledge systems, youth-led civic innovation, and civil society’s accountability tools into AI governance can help bridge the gap between technological advancement and ethical responsibility. This roundtable seeks to connect these perspectives, generate concrete policy recommendations, and shape regional principles for ethical AI in business and human rights.

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Key Objectives

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• Expose gaps and risks in current AI and BHR frameworks, particularly in high-risk, under-regulated contexts such as conflict zones and Indigenous territories.

• Showcase community-based strategies, including interfaith dialogue, Indigenous wisdom, youth innovation, and human rights impact assessments—that can enhance AI accountability.

• Co-create ethical guidelines and advocacy priorities for integrating AI governance into business and human rights agendas at national and regional levels.

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Guiding Questions

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• How can AI be designed and deployed to protect human dignity and promote justice in contexts of displacement, exploitation, and conflict?

• What mechanisms such as transparency requirements, disclosure, and independent audits, are essential for AI systems in high-risk environments?

• How can communities harmed by AI access effective remedy, and what principles should guide businesses and governments toward community-led, rights-based solutions?

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Format

• Roundtable

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