AI Accountability Gaps Risk Deepening Inequalities, Warns UNFPA's Wojnar

Andrea Wojnar of UNFPA India highlights growing concerns over the 'accountability gap' in AI systems, which can exacerbate existing inequalities, especially for women and girls. Addressing the India Impact AI Summit, Wojnar underscores trust as both an ethical and economic issue, urging transparent AI governance to prevent stunted digital growth.

Andrea Wojnar, the Resident Representative for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in India, has expressed significant concerns over the expanding 'accountability gap' in artificial intelligence. Speaking at the India Impact AI Summit in 2026, she warned that unequal and biased AI systems could worsen existing inequalities, particularly affecting women and girls.

Wojnar emphasized that while AI offers tremendous opportunities, it also alters the landscape of risk. She pointed out that when women and girls feel unsafe, their online participation diminishes, thereby narrowing the prospects of the digital economy. This, in turn, slows down the adoption of AI-enabled services, exacerbating reputational and growth risks for the economy.

Focusing on trust, Wojnar argued that digital safety issues extend beyond human rights, impacting economic development. She highlighted that the lack of safety in online spaces can lead to decreased participation, leading to a shrinking digital market. Wojnar's comments reflect the broader global conversation on ethical AI governance, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability as integral components of sustainable development.