planet earth

AI and other future technologies will be necessary — but not sufficient — for enacting the UN’s Pact for the Future

The UN’s Pact for the Future, adopted in September 2024, aims to address sustainability and justice for present and future generations, acknowledging AI's role while emphasizing human rights. However, it inadequately reflects current scientific realities regarding planetary boundaries and lacks effective monitoring mechanisms. Urgent funding and resource redistribution are essential for implementation.
A miniature outdoor scene featuring small flags with Google and YouTube logos among tiny boxes, set against a blurred city backdrop.

Google to Halt Political Ads in EU Over New Regulations

Google has announced it will halt political advertising in the European Union starting October 2025 due to challenges complying with the EU’s new Regulation on Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising. The move follows similar decisions in France, Canada, and Brazil. Google cites broad ad definitions and operational hurdles as key reasons for this step but reaffirms its commitment to supporting democratic elections through accurate and reliable information.
Promotional graphic for Axschat podcast featuring a smiling woman with reddish-brown hair, identified as Caroline Desrosiers, with the hashtag #AXSChat in bold white letters at the top. Her name is displayed at the bottom on a blue backdrop.

Revolutionizing Accessibility: The Journey of Scribley and the Future of Alt Text

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of digital accessibility with Caroline Desrosiers, the visionary founder of Scribley, on the Axschat podcast. In this engaging episode, Caroline illuminates the path towards a more inclusive internet through the power of Alt text, shares insights on the synergy between AI and human creativity, and discusses the future of accessibility in a multilingual digital landscape. Tune in to be part of the conversation that's reshaping how we think about and implement digital inclusivity.
Breaking Down Gender Biases

Breaking Down Gender Biases

Explore the key insights from the UN's 2023 Gender Social Norms Index report, highlighting the persistence of gender biases, the impact on women's income, and the proposed framework for transformative change towards gender equality. Discover how policy interventions and societal shifts can help break down these biases.
Girl looking in front

Siemens joins forces with UN Women: Upskilling program for +600 African girls in ICT and work readiness skills kicks off

Siemens partners with UN Women Germany for an upskilling program benefiting over 600 young African women in South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda. The initiative includes coding camps, mentoring, and workshops on digital literacy, programming, work readiness, and personal development. The program aims to bridge the ICT gender gap and empower women to pursue careers in the technology sector. Siemens has allocated €780,000 and will provide laptops to participants. The collaboration with UN Women Germany seeks to address gender inequalities and promote educational equality for girls in Africa. The program also aims to improve employability and contribute to transformative growth in the region.
Tilda Swinton speaking at South By Southwest (SXSW) festival event in Austin,

Tilda Swinton’s Inspiring Message on Collective Comfort: The Power of Empathy, Compassion, and Art to Build a More Connected World

Tilda Swinton's appearance at SXSW 2023 was a powerful reminder of the importance of collective comfort in our lives. In her talk, she stressed the need for empathy and compassion in our interactions with others, and emphasized the power of art to bring people together and foster a sense of community. According to Swinton, collective comfort is particularly relevant in today's world, where we are often disconnected and facing a range of social, political, and environmental challenges. By prioritizing empathy, compassion, and the power of art, we can create a more connected and caring society where everyone can thrive.