Human Rights in AI Conference

An international conference hosted at Mila, in Montreal from February 14 to 16, 2024.

panelists during the AI and human rights conference

Overview

Bringing together key stakeholders from the academic (machine learning, law and social sciences), civil society and policy maker communities, Protecting Human Rights in the Age of AI aims to highlight and advance the critical efforts needed to incorporate human rights into artificial intelligence (AI) governance mechanisms.

This event invites experts and members of civil society to partake in discussions on topics ranging from human rights impact assessments, tools and methods for risk-measurement, and the availability of redress mechanisms. The objective is to further the protection of human rights in the age of AI by learning to integrate them in risk-based governance approaches.

  • Panel discussions and working groups with key stakeholders and speakers
  • In-person conference with some sessions available as a livestream

Panel Descriptions

Panel 1 : Tools to integrate human rights in AI governance

Over the last years, discussions over AI governance issues and opportunities have often evolved in parallel with human rights frameworks, leaving the space where the two connect and interact under explored. Yet, human rights should be a pillar of any responsible AI governance strategies, at the national and global level. Notably, the international human rights framework provides a rare space of consensus to build on as states have agreed to ensure their respect. This panel will dive into this important topic and explore the following questions: On a practical level, how can we ensure that human rights become embedded in AI governance strategies? What specific tools have shown the most promising results in that respect? How can human rights become a clear and activable indicator to allow AI development, deployment, and monitoring that leaves no one behind?

Speakers : Eliza Aspen, Wanda Munoz, Clara Neppel, Karine Perset

Moderator : Catherine Régis

Panel 2 : Avenues of redress to protect human rights

Redress mechanisms play a crucial role in holding accountable those responsible for AI-related human rights infringements and providing avenues for justice and restitution to affected individuals and groups. These mechanisms not only serve as a deterrent ex ante, but they also contribute to building trust in AI technologies by ensuring that redress can be sought in case of harm ex post. 

Given the importance of adequate redress mechanisms, this panel will focus on the following questions: which type of remedies are currently available when human rights infringements occur? What challenges do people face to obtain redress in an AI context? And (how) should redress mechanisms be revised to ensure their continued effectiveness in an ever more AI-driven world?

Speakers : Fanny Hidvégi, Aziz Huq, Jake Okechukwu Effoduh, Nele Roekens

Moderator : Nathalie Smuha

Panel 3 : Creating momentum for human rights safeguards in international AI governance

2023 has witnessed a dramatic increase in global AI governance efforts. Most multilateral organizations have now identified AI governance as a priority, with the year having culminated - among other initiatives - in the UK AI Safety Summit and the creation of the UN AI Advisory Body. It is to be expected that the coming months and years will therefore see the emergence of key initiatives that will shape the future of AI governance internationally. These will raise the fundamental question of what importance the human rights framework must be given in shaping such initiatives, when national and regional regulating bodies have thus far prioritized risk-based approach mechanisms. What are the conditions needed to create momentum for human rights as this conversation evolves globally? What do international organizations need to support the integration of human rights in their respective work, and how can stakeholders - civil society, academia, industry - play a role in leading this effort?

Speakers : Virgina Dignum, Neema Lugangira, Patrick Penninckx, Cédric Wachholz

Moderator : Benjamin Prud’homme

Areas of focus

Areas of focus : Integration tools, measurement, redress, human rights in ai governance approaches, integrating human rights in risk based frameworks, tools and methods to measure the ai's impact and risks

Speakers

Speakers of the Human Rights in AI Conference 2024
Yoshua Bengio, Mila
Alondra Nelson, Institute for Advanced Study
Amandeep Singh Gill, United Nations
Eliza Aspen, Amnesty International
Wanda Munoz, Consultant and AI Research Network
Clara Neppel, IEEE
Elham Tabassi, NIST
Fanny Hidvégi, Access Now
Aziz Huq, University of Chicago Law School
Jake Okechukwu Effoduh, Toronto Metropolitan University
Nele Roekens, Unia
Virginia Dignum, University of Umeå
Neema Lugangira, Member of Parliement, Tanzania Mainland
Patrick Penninckx, Council of Europe
Karine Perset, OECD.AI Policy Observatory
Sebastian Hallensleben, EU StandICT program
Gry Hasselbalch, InTouchAI.eu
Marietje Schaake, Stanford University Cyber Policy Center

Venue

Founded by Professor Yoshua Bengio of the University of Montreal, Mila - Quebec AI Institute is an artificial intelligence research institute that brings together over 1,200 researchers specializing in machine learning. Based in Montreal, Mila’s mission is to be a global hub for scientific advances that inspire innovation and development of AI for the benefit of all. 

Accomodation

Participants wishing to stay in Montreal during the event have access to a preferential rate at Hotel Monville located in the heart of the Montreal International District. Reservations can be made online using the promotional code MILA24.

Mila's building from outside