Page 13 - BPW-UK - E-news - Edition 126 - November - December 2024

Recognition that the development, deployment and use of emerging technologies, in-
cluding artificial intelligence, can provide many opportunities to workers, but also
poses ethical concerns and risks for their rights and well-being. They have recognised
the necessary need to bridge digital divides, including halving the gender digital di-
vide by 2030, prioritise the inclusion of people in vulnerable situations in the labour
market, as well as ensure fairness respect for intellectual property, data protection,
privacy, and security as AI and other technologies continue to evolve. G20 has
agreed to advocate and promote responsible AI for improving education and health
outcomes as well as women’s empowerment and encourage consultation with the
workers when integrating technologies. They welcomed the decision of G20 Labour
and Employment Ministers to establish guidelines for the safe, secure and trustwor-
thy use of AI in the world of work, in collaboration with other relevant workstreams.
(Declaration paragraph 78)

The Women’s Empowerment Ministerial met for the first time in Italy in 2021. The value
of the Women’s Empowerment Ministerial advocating and promoting gender equality
and the empowerment of women has been recognised. However, on this occasion it
was not possible to reach consensus on the outcome statement.

As in previous years the G20 Leaders have in many ways made clear their vision and
the actions they will drive forward to accelerate progress towards addressing the
evolving challenges and achieving gender equality across the G20 countries and be-
yond. However, as we know the commitments made for change to happen will only
be realised if they are translated into actions with measurable outcomes and time-
lines. As always, there is much work to be done and W20 collectively and through
country delegations will continue to lobby and support governments, monitor and
track outcomes and influence change. G20 Leaders have committed to address the
global challenges and crises and promote strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive
growth and leave no one behind. Addressing the inequalities that continue to persist
has been recognised as part of the solution. Now more than ever it is important we
speak out and keep the pressure on for gender equality. integrating gender perspec-
tives into climate policies, STEM initiatives, and global governance reforms to name a
few will pave the way for a more inclusive future

South Africa is the host nation for the G20 in 2025. The theme for the South African
Presidency – Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. We will keep you posted on
developments for the G20 and W20 in South Africa.

Barbara Cleary
22 November 2024