Human rights in the age of artificial intelligence: how to govern for humanity

In December the International Human Rights Day, Global Compact Argentina joins the call of the United Nations to revalue the protection of fundamental rights in a world transformed by technology.

Respect and promotion of human rights They constitute a pillar of corporate sustainability. As indicated Principles 1 and 2 of the United Nations Global CompactIn the context of their operations, companies can generate negative impacts, affecting the human rights of various actors with whom they interact. Since its creation in 2004, Global Compact Argentina creates spaces for peer exchange, capacity development and multi-stakeholder dialogue on human rights.

In a world characterized by uncertainty, migration, inequality, climate change, structural inequalities and growing public demands, the United Nations calls on companies to accelerate their commitment to sustainability in the Decade for Action.

75 years after the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rightsthe emergence of the artificial intelligence (AI) redefines the challenges and opportunities in promoting human dignity, equity and sustainability.

Governing AI for humanity

The United Nations report “Governing AI for Humanity” calls on governments, companies and civil society to establish a inclusive and cooperative global architecture for responsible governance of AI. Accenture defines the Responsible AI as the practice of designing, building and deploying AI in a way that empowers employees and businesses, having a fair impact on customers and society. This approach not only seeks to promote sustainable development, but also to ensure that technological advances are aligned with the fundamental principles of Human Rights.

According to the joint Global Compact and Accenture report “Gen AI for the Global Goals”, the generative AI market will grow 32% annually to reach $98.1 billion in 2026. However, only 2% of companies have implemented complete mechanisms responsible AI governance. This underscores the urgency of establishing ethical and collaborative frameworks that align technological advances with human rights and sustainability.

Human Rights and Technology: A Collective Duty

Artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for human progress, but it also poses significant risks if not properly regulated. From algorithmic biases to access gaps, unethical use of AI could exacerbate inequalities and violate fundamental rights. Therefore, the ethics and accountability They should be guiding principles in the design, development and use of these technologies.

Human rights and regulations

Artificial intelligence governance must prioritize the protection of human rights through clear and effective regulatory frameworks. According to the joint Accenture and Global Compact report, companies have a responsibility to ensure that AI systems respect ethical principles, such as transparency, fairness and non-discrimination. This includes adopting international standards, such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, to guide impact assessments and mitigate risks.

Furthermore, with the European Union leading regulatory initiatives such as the AI ​​Law, a global precedent is being established that reinforces the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach. The implementation of these regulations not only ensures the protection of fundamental rights, but also promotes trust and legitimacy in the use of emerging technologies.

Sustainable integrity in a digital world

Adopting an ethical framework for AI is an extension of our commitment to Human Rights. Global Compact Argentina encourages organizations to integrate these recommendations into their operations, prioritizing sustainability, inclusion and justice.

In this effort, the platform Global Compact Academy offers key training in areas such as:

• Human Rights and Business.
• Ethics in Artificial Intelligence.
• Guiding principles on business and human rights.

All organizations and social actors are invited to explore these free resources as a tool to move towards a responsible governance and aligned with the SDG.

Suggested actions for companies

Technological advances are increasingly impacting companies. 97% of executives believe that generative AI will transform their industry in the next three to five years. Therefore, companies have a crucial role in the governance of AI with a focus on Human Rights. Beyond training, it is essential that they adopt concrete actions to ensure that their technological practices respect ethical principles, protect fundamental rights and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely:

• Adoption of Ethical Principles for AI Governance
• Develop an internal ethical framework that regulates the design, development and use of AI, ensuring alignment with Human Rights and the SDGs.
• Implement guiding principles: Transparency, equity, non-discrimination, privacy, responsibility and accountability.
• Human Rights Impact Assessment on AI

• Conduct periodic impact assessments to identify real and potential risks of AI systems on the rights of people, especially vulnerable communities.
• Use recognized frameworks such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to guide these assessments.
• Incorporation of community panels in Participatory Governance

• Involve multiple stakeholders (employees, communities, NGOs, human rights experts) in the review and monitoring of AI applications. Promote open consultation and the inclusion of diverse voices to ensure that the technologies developed benefit everyone.
• Transparency and Accountability

• Publish regular reports that detail how AI technologies are being used in the company, what measures are being taken to mitigate risks and what benefits are being generated. Guaranteeing the traceability of algorithms and automated decisions, clearly explaining to users how and why these decisions are made.
• Training and Internal Ethical Awareness

• Create interdisciplinary teams that include experts in technology, ethics and human rights to lead responsible AI initiatives. Keep in mind the algorithmic biasesprivacy and data protection.
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in AI Development

• Ensure AI development teams are diverse and inclusive, which can help reduce bias in algorithms and design more equitable solutions.
• Implement inclusive recruiting practices for technical and ethical roles related to AI.
• Collaboration with Global and Local Networks

• Participate in international platforms such as International Scientific Panel on AIrecommended by the United Nations, to share and learn from best practices.
• Establish alliances with universities, research centers and NGOs to promote responsible AI research with positive impact.
• Promotion of Responsible Innovation

• Use AI to address global challenges, such as reducing carbon emissions (SDG 13) or increasing efficiency in the use of natural resources (SDG 12) com also to contribute to the SDG 10 (Reduction of inequalities).

Commitment and Action

These actions must be accompanied by a visible and active commitment on the part of business leadership. Artificial intelligence has the potential to positively transform our societies, but its impact must be carefully managed. By adopting any of these actions we understand that companies will not only protect fundamental rights, but will also build trust and legitimacy, key elements for their long-term sustainability.

An urgent call

We call to work together in a inclusive and cooperative vision for AI governance. With only 17% of the SDGs on track to be met by 2030, it is essential that governments, businesses and civil society accelerate the implementation of responsible AI practices.

“At Accenture we are convinced that technology must be aligned with the fundamental values ​​of human rights. Governing AI is not optional, it is a collective duty,” says Gaetano Salierno, Director of Strategy and Sustainability of Accenture Argentina.

“Artificial intelligence, governed with integrity and for the benefit of humanity, can be a catalyst for justice and sustainability. To govern it is to protect ourselves,” explains Flavio Fuertes, Executive Director of the Global Compact.

Global Compact Argentina reaffirms its commitment to the values ​​of dignity, justice and equity in a world where technology and Human Rights must advance together to guarantee a sustainable future for all.