Experts call for gender equality in digital future at UNESCO forum

Experts called for inclusive digital ecosystems and enhanced artificial intelligence literacy to ensure women benefit equally from technological advancements at the 13th Forum of UNESCO Chair in Media and Gender held recently in Beijing.

The event, co-organized by the chair and the secretariat of the Global Exchange and Cooperation Center for Digital Empowerment of Women, drew over 100 experts and guests from 27 countries.

Zhang Dongmei, vice-president of the All-China Women's Federation, called for building an inclusive and fair digital ecosystem that accelerates women's development and ensures equal access to digital benefits.

Hu Bangsheng, member of the leading Party members' group of the China Writers' Association, said the digital era offers historic opportunities for women's development, particularly in literature. He emphasized the association's commitment to supporting female writers and promoting gender equality through literature.

Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, said it is necessary to translate artificial intelligence ethics into policy, expand media literacy training, and foster cross-sector partnerships to empower women in the digital future.

The 7th Global Women's Development Seminar was also held on the same day, organized by the Global Women's Development Institute under the China Women's University. It has been held annually since 2019.