UN Women launches hub for gender-responsive AI governance

UN Women has launched a new Digital, Innovation and AI Hub to strengthen the integration of gender equality into AI and digital governance.

The Hub was announced on 25 September 2026 during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. It will bring together researchers, governments, technology companies, AI experts and women’s rights organisations to examine how emerging technologies affect women and girls.

The initiative will support UN member states in developing gender-responsive digital and AI policies. It will also work with technology companies on incorporating gender equality principles into the design and governance of technology.

UN Women said the Hub will strengthen the UN system’s capacity to address the gender dimensions of AI and give women and women’s rights organisations a stronger role in shaping related policies, rules and technologies.

The launch follows UN Women findings on women’s participation in the AI sector. According to its Gender Snapshot 2026, women account for around 22% of AI professionals globally and hold fewer than 14% of senior leadership positions in the field. The organisation also reports that women are around 20% less likely than men to use generative AI tools.

UN Women has also cited research into gender bias in AI systems. A global analysis of 133 AI systems, referenced in the launch announcement, found that 44% demonstrated bias.