AI continues to redefine the fabric of societies across the globe, the need for inclusive innovation has never been more urgent. Recognizing this critical moment in technological transformation, the UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping young gender equality advocates with the tools to lead the AI revolution—not from the sidelines, but from the very heart of innovation.
The UN Women AI School, set to begin in June 2025, is a comprehensive and immersive learning program designed to train a new generation of feminist leaders who can shape the development and deployment of AI for good. With the world racing to integrate AI into sectors ranging from governance to healthcare, the school aims to ensure that gender equality is not an afterthought but a foundational principle in the age of automation.
“Artificial Intelligence is not just a tool of the future—it is the present,” said a spokesperson from UN Women. “And for it to truly serve humanity, it must be informed by those who have long been fighting for equity, justice, and inclusion. That’s why we are investing in young, diverse, and passionate voices to lead this change.”
The curriculum has been carefully crafted to address both the technical and ethical dimensions of AI. Participants will gain insights into machine learning fundamentals, ethical frameworks, and strategies to ensure responsible use of AI. But more than that, they will learn how to leverage AI for advocacy, campaign building, and real-world problem solving.
The program will cover five major themes: AI and Machine Learning Fundamentals, Ethical and Responsible AI, AI for Advocacy and Campaigns, AI-Powered Productivity, and Custom GPT Design. Through these modules, participants will engage in a variety of activities—from pre-readings and hands-on exercises to final projects tailored to their own work in civil society, government, or academia.
Importantly, the program seeks to democratize access to AI knowledge. UN Women is actively encouraging applications from underrepresented communities, including young people aged 18-30, individuals with disabilities, and those from rural and marginalized regions. Eligible applicants must be nationals of countries within the UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, which includes a wide swathe of nations such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Fiji, Japan, and Viet Nam, among many others.
The call for applications is now open, with a deadline of April 10, 2025. Interested candidates can apply through the official registration form here: https://forms.gle/SMWEkgTCR41ku3PF8. While nomination does not guarantee selection, shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further interviews. Running from June to August 2025, the school requires a weekly time commitment of at least two hours, in addition to self-paced readings and assignments. The program will be conducted entirely in English and will be hosted online to ensure wide accessibility across the region.
This initiative represents more than just a training opportunity—it is a strategic investment in the future of inclusive AI. In a world where technologies are increasingly shaping societal narratives and decision-making processes, it is imperative that feminist perspectives are not only present but central. By building a strong cohort of gender equality champions who are fluent in both activism and AI, UN Women is taking a decisive step toward ensuring that the digital future is built on the principles of fairness, inclusion, and justice. As the world grapples with the rapid ascent of artificial intelligence, the UN Women AI School sends a powerful message: the future of tech must be feminist. And that future starts now.
