Background Guide
DTMUN 2025-2026
UNCSW
(United Nations Commission On
The Status Of Women)
Directors in Charge 7D
Janisha Kumari
Samarth Rokade
Letter From Executive Board
Dear Delegates,
Greetings from the Executive Board. On behalf of the United Nations Commission on the
Status of Women (UNCSW), we extend a warm welcome to all participants of DTMUN 2024–
25. Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations conference, and we believe
it is an excellent platform for students to venture into the world of diplomacy, public
speaking, and negotiation, while emerging as confident leaders of tomorrow.
The MUN experience provides a real‑life glimpse into the functioning of the United Nations
and instills qualities of skillful diplomacy, critical thinking, and leadership. We will strive to
make you feel comfortable during the proceedings and ensure that your participation is
both enriching and enjoyable. At DTMUN, our aim is to provide you with a fruitful
experience that combines rigorous debate with collaborative problem‑solving.
This Background Guide has been structured by the Assistant Director to serve as a tool that
directs your research and preparation. To ensure that you are able to present your points in
a clear, concise, and factual manner, we strongly recommend that you be thorough with
research related to your country and the agenda. You must be well‑acquainted with your
country’s foreign policies, stance on the topic, and world affairs revolving around the
agenda. We also advise you to think of possible solutions to the issues presented in this
guide, as that will greatly assist you in drafting effective resolutions.
Gender equality is more than a goal in itself; it is a fundamental precondition for reducing
poverty, promoting sustainable development, and building good governance. Despite
progress, gender equality remains unachieved in many parts of the world. Hence, this
agenda has been chosen to address the issue in a broader and more impactful way,
particularly in the context of emerging technologies and Artificial Intelligence.
MUNs are not only about debate but also about learning, collaboration, and growth. They
are great opportunities to expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and build lasting
connections. We look forward to a productive and enjoyable session with all of you.
All the Best and Happy MUNing!
Best Wishes and Regards
Janisha Kumari
Samarth Rokade
Directors in Charge UNCSW 7D
Table Of Content
Contents
ABOUT UNCSW ........................………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
INTRODUCTION TO AGENDA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
CURRENT SITUATION.......................................... ………………………………………………………………………………5
WORLD SCENARIO................................................................................................................................. 5
ASIA AND PACIFIC STATES..................................................................................................................... 5
LATIN AMERICA .................................................................................................................................... 6
AFRICA ................................................................................................................................................. 6
WESTERN COUNTRIES.......................................................................................................................... 6
NORTH AMERICA ................................................................................................................................. 6
THE EUROPEAN UNION ......................................................................................................................... 7
MIDDLE EASTERN AND NORTH AFRICAN COUNTRIES ......................................................................... 7
PAST ACTIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 7
GOALS (UNCSW)................................................................................................................................... 8
CASE STUDY: FACIAL RECOGNITION BIAS ............................................................................................. 9
IMPACT OF AI BIAS ON EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT .................................................................. 10
QUESTIONS A DRAFT RESOLUTION SHOULD ANSWER........................................................................ 11
POINTS TO PONDER ........................................................................................................................... 11
CITATIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 11
About UNCSW
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) was established in 1946 as a
functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It is the principal global
intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the
empowerment of women. Over the decades, UNCSW has played a pivotal role in shaping
international standards and policies that advance women’s rights, while also monitoring progress
and identifying persistent gaps.
The Commission meets annually in New York, bringing together representatives of Member States,
civil society organizations, and UN entities. These sessions serve as a forum for reviewing global
progress, exchanging best practices, and negotiating agreed conclusions that guide governments and
institutions worldwide. UNCSW has historically been instrumental in drafting landmark frameworks
such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which remain cornerstones of international
gender policy.
Beyond its legislative and policy‑shaping functions, UNCSW also acts as a watchdog, ensuring that
commitments made by Member States are translated into tangible action. It emphasizes the
importance of integrating gender perspectives into all areas of governance, development, and
peacebuilding. In recent years, the Commission has expanded its focus to include emerging
challenges such as the digital divide, climate change, and the impact of new technologies on
women’s rights.
UNCSW’s work is not limited to advocacy; it also provides technical assistance, capacity‑building,
and support for national governments to implement gender‑responsive policies. By fostering
collaboration between states, NGOs, and international organizations, the Commission ensures that
gender equality remains a central pillar of the United Nations’ mission.
Introduction To Agenda
The agenda for DTMUN 2024–25 — Reforming Gender Bias in AI and Emerging Technologies —
reflects the intersection of technology, ethics, and human rights. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
related technologies are transforming societies at an unprecedented pace, influencing decisions in
employment, healthcare, education, law enforcement, and governance. While these innovations
hold immense potential, they also carry risks of perpetuating and amplifying existing inequalities.
AI systems are built on data, and data often reflects historical biases. For example, recruitment
algorithms trained on male‑dominated workforces may undervalue female candidates. Facial
recognition technologies have been shown to misidentify women, particularly women of color, at
disproportionately high rates. Healthcare algorithms sometimes fail to account for gender
differences in symptoms, leading to unequal treatment outcomes. These examples highlight how
unchecked technological development can reinforce systemic discrimination.
The agenda calls upon delegates to critically examine how gender bias manifests in AI and emerging
technologies, and to propose reforms that ensure inclusivity, fairness, and accountability. It requires
consideration of multiple dimensions:
Ethical Standards: How can international frameworks ensure that AI development respects gender
equality?
Global Cooperation: How can developed and developing nations collaborate to build inclusive
technological ecosystems?
Representation: How can women be empowered to participate in AI policymaking, research, and
leadership roles?
Regulation and Oversight: What mechanisms can be established to audit and monitor AI systems for
bias?
Current Situation
Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping the way societies function,
influencing decisions in employment, healthcare, education, law enforcement, and governance.
While these innovations promise efficiency and progress, they also carry the risk of perpetuating
existing inequalities. The current situation reveals that gender bias in AI systems is not a hypothetical
concern but a documented reality.
Recruitment algorithms, for instance, have been shown to undervalue female candidates when
trained on historical data dominated by male employees. Facial recognition technologies misidentify
women, particularly women of color, at disproportionately high rates, leading to wrongful arrests
and denial of services. Healthcare algorithms often fail to account for gender differences in
symptoms, resulting in unequal treatment outcomes. These examples demonstrate how bias
embedded in data can translate into discrimination in practice.
Globally, the representation of women in technology development remains limited. Women
constitute less than one‑third of the workforce in AI research and engineering, which means that
the perspectives shaping these technologies are often incomplete. This lack of diversity in design
teams contributes to blind spots in the systems they create.
The issue is further complicated by the uneven distribution of technological resources. Developed
nations are leading in AI innovation, while developing countries struggle with access, infrastructure,
and representation. This creates a digital divide where marginalized groups, including women, are
excluded from both the benefits and the decision‑making processes of technological advancement.
At present, there is no universally accepted framework to audit or regulate AI systems for gender
bias. While some countries have introduced ethical guidelines, these remain fragmented and
inconsistent. The absence of global standards leaves room for unchecked bias to persist and expand.
The current situation therefore demands urgent attention. Delegates must recognize that reforming
gender bias in AI is not only about fairness but also about safeguarding trust in technology, ensuring
inclusivity, and promoting sustainable development.
World Scenario
Asia and Pacific States
The Asia-Pacific region is home to some of the fastest-growing technology hubs, including India,
China, South Korea, and Singapore. China has invested heavily in AI research and development,
aiming to become the global leader in this field. However, concerns remain about the lack of
transparency and inclusivity in its systems. India, with its vast IT workforce, faces challenges of
gender imbalance in STEM education and employment. While countries like Singapore and South
Korea have introduced policies to encourage women in technology, cultural barriers in other parts of
the region continue to limit female participation. The Pacific island nations, meanwhile, struggle with
access to advanced technologies, making inclusivity a distant goal.
Latin America
Latin American countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are emerging players in the AI sector.
However, the region faces significant challenges in terms of inequality and representation. Women
remain underrepresented in technology leadership roles, and AI systems often reflect the socio-
economic disparities prevalent in society. Brazil has initiated programs to promote women in STEM,
but widespread adoption remains slow. In many parts of Latin America, limited infrastructure and
investment in AI research hinder progress, leaving gender inclusivity as a secondary priority.
Africa
Africa presents a unique scenario where technological adoption is growing rapidly, but resources
remain limited. Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are developing AI applications in
healthcare, agriculture, and education. However, gender bias is deeply rooted in social structures,
and women often lack access to education and training in technology. South Africa has made strides
in promoting women in STEM, but across much of the continent, cultural traditions and economic
barriers restrict female participation. The risk is that AI systems developed elsewhere may be
imported without adaptation, thereby reinforcing existing inequalities.
Western Countries
Western nations such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Canada are at the forefront of
establishing ethical frameworks for AI. The European Union has introduced guidelines emphasizing
fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems. Canada and Sweden are notable for their
strong gender equality policies, which extend into technology development. However, even in these
progressive states, studies have shown that AI systems can replicate subtle biases, particularly in
recruitment and healthcare. The challenge lies in ensuring that ethical frameworks are not only
written but also implemented effectively.
North America
The United States is a global leader in AI innovation, with Silicon Valley serving as the epicenter of
technological development. Yet, the U.S. faces criticism for the lack of diversity in its tech workforce
and the biases embedded in its AI systems. Facial recognition technologies developed in the U.S.
have been shown to misidentify women and minorities at higher rates, raising concerns about civil
rights and justice. While major corporations have pledged to address these issues, progress remains
uneven. Canada, by contrast, has adopted a more inclusive approach, integrating gender
perspectives into its AI policies and promoting women in leadership roles.
The European Union
The European Union has taken a proactive stance in regulating AI, emphasizing human rights and
inclusivity. The EU’s proposed Artificial Intelligence Act seeks to establish comprehensive standards
for AI systems, including provisions to prevent discrimination. Countries like Finland and Germany
are investing in programs to encourage women in technology, while France has emphasized ethical
AI development. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in ensuring that regulations are uniformly
applied across member states.
Middle Eastern and North African Countries
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region presents a complex picture. Countries like the
United Arab Emirates and Israel are investing heavily in AI research, aiming to become regional
leaders. However, gender bias remains a significant issue, particularly in nations where cultural
traditions restrict women’s participation in the workforce. In North African countries such as Egypt
and Morocco, efforts are being made to promote women in STEM, but progress is slow. The
challenge in this region is balancing rapid technological development with deeply rooted cultural
norms.
Past Actions
1. UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (2021) In 2021, UNESCO adopted
the first global framework on the ethics of AI, endorsed by nearly 200 countries. This
recommendation emphasized inclusivity, fairness, and transparency in AI systems. It specifically
highlighted the need to eliminate gender bias in datasets and ensure women’s participation in AI
policymaking. The framework also called for governments to establish mechanisms for monitoring AI
applications and protecting vulnerable groups. While implementation remains uneven, this action
marked a significant step toward international cooperation on ethical AI.
2. UNCSW Resolutions on Women in STEM (2011 & 2015) The Commission on the Status of Women
has repeatedly addressed the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics. Resolutions passed in 2011 and 2015 urged Member States to promote equal
access to education, scholarships, and employment opportunities in technology fields. These
resolutions also encouraged governments to dismantle cultural and institutional barriers that
prevent women from entering STEM careers. Although progress has been made in some regions, the
global gender gap in technology persists, underscoring the need for stronger and more targeted
reforms.
Goals (UNCSW)
The foremost goal of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is to ensure that
gender equality becomes a central principle in the development and application of Artificial
Intelligence and emerging technologies. This requires the creation of inclusive datasets, transparent
algorithms, and diverse development teams. By promoting women’s participation in STEM education
and leadership roles, UNCSW aims to dismantle structural barriers that prevent equal representation
in the digital age.
Another key goal is to establish international standards and frameworks that regulate AI systems for
fairness and accountability. UNCSW seeks to encourage Member States to adopt mechanisms for
auditing algorithms, identifying bias, and implementing corrective measures. These standards must
be globally recognized yet adaptable to regional contexts, ensuring that both developed and
developing nations can participate in building ethical technological ecosystems.
Finally, UNCSW strives to integrate gender perspectives into all aspects of policymaking and
governance related to technology. This includes supporting capacity‑building programs in
developing countries, fostering collaboration between governments and private sectors, and
ensuring that women’s voices are represented in decision‑making forums. By embedding inclusivity
into the foundation of technological progress, the Commission envisions a future where innovation
serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
CASE STUDY: FACIAL RECOGNITION BIAS
Facial recognition technology has become one of the most widely deployed applications of Artificial
Intelligence, used in law enforcement, border control, and even consumer devices. However,
multiple studies have revealed significant gender and racial biases in these systems, raising concerns
about fairness, accountability, and human rights.
In 2018, a landmark study conducted by MIT Media Lab found that commercial facial recognition
systems misidentified darker-skinned women at rates as high as 34%, compared to less than 1% for
lighter-skinned men. This discrepancy highlighted how training datasets, often dominated by images
of men from Western countries, fail to represent global diversity. As a result, women — particularly
women of color — are disproportionately affected by errors in identification.
The consequences of such bias are severe. In the United States, several wrongful arrests have been
linked to facial recognition errors, with women and minorities bearing the brunt of these mistakes.
In countries where surveillance is heavily used, biased systems risk reinforcing discrimination and
eroding trust in technology. Beyond law enforcement, similar biases have been observed in
workplace security systems and consumer applications, where women are more likely to be denied
access or misclassified.
This case study demonstrates how gender bias in AI is not only a technical flaw but also a social and
ethical crisis. It underscores the urgent need for diverse datasets, transparent auditing mechanisms,
and inclusive policymaking. Delegates must consider how international cooperation can establish
standards that prevent such biases from being embedded in technologies that affect millions of lives.
IMPACT OF AI BIAS ON EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being integrated into education systems and employment
practices worldwide. While these technologies promise efficiency and innovation, they also risk
perpetuating gender bias if not carefully monitored. The impact of such bias is profound, influencing
opportunities, outcomes, and the overall trust in technological systems.
In education, AI tools are used for personalized learning, admissions, and even grading. However,
biased algorithms can disadvantage female students by undervaluing their performance or
reinforcing stereotypes about subject preferences. For instance, predictive models that suggest
career paths often rely on historical data, which may reflect male dominance in STEM fields. As a
result, female students may be steered away from science and technology careers, limiting their
future opportunities. Additionally, AI‑driven scholarship and admissions systems can unintentionally
favor male candidates if datasets are not inclusive, thereby widening the gender gap in higher
education.
Employment practices are equally affected. Recruitment algorithms trained on male‑dominated
workforces often undervalue female applicants, perpetuating inequality in hiring. Automated
résumé screening systems may prioritize language or experiences more common among men, while
overlooking equally qualified women. In performance evaluation, AI‑based tools can replicate
workplace biases, leading to unequal promotions and pay disparities. Women in leadership positions
are particularly vulnerable, as biased systems may undervalue their contributions compared to male
counterparts.
The pandemic accelerated the adoption of AI in remote work and digital platforms, further exposing
these biases. Automated systems used for monitoring productivity or assigning tasks often fail to
account for the unique challenges faced by women, such as balancing professional responsibilities
with caregiving roles. This has contributed to higher attrition rates among women in certain
industries, reinforcing structural inequalities.
The broader impact is not only individual but societal. When women are excluded or disadvantaged
by biased AI systems, economies lose out on talent, innovation, and diverse perspectives. Education
systems risk reinforcing outdated stereotypes, while workplaces risk entrenching inequality. These
consequences undermine the goals of sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Delegates must recognize that addressing AI bias in education and employment is critical to
achieving gender equality. Solutions must include diverse datasets, transparent auditing
mechanisms, and policies that actively promote women’s participation in both learning and work
environments. By reforming these systems, the Commission can ensure that technology becomes a
tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
QUESTIONS A DRAFT RESOLUTION SHOULD ANSWER-
How can Member States ensure that AI systems are developed and deployed without
reinforcing gender bias?
What mechanisms should be established to audit, monitor, and correct discriminatory
outcomes in AI applications?
How can international cooperation promote inclusivity and empower women to participate
in AI policymaking and leadership?
What role should UNCSW play in setting global standards and providing support to countries
with limited technological resources?
POINTS TO PONDER UPON-
To what extent should governments regulate AI systems to prevent gender bias, and
how can such regulations remain flexible across diverse cultural contexts?
How can developing countries balance the need for rapid technological adoption
with the risk of importing biased systems created elsewhere?
What role should private corporations play in ensuring inclusivity, and how can
accountability be enforced at the global level?
How can education systems be restructured to encourage more women to pursue
STEM fields, thereby reducing bias at the source of AI development?
Should UNCSW establish a permanent monitoring mechanism for AI bias, similar to
its role in tracking progress on women’s rights globally?
CITATIONS
UN Women — A brief history of the Commission on the Status of Women
[Link]
UN Womenwatch — Short History of the Commission on the Status of Women
[Link]
UNESCO — Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (2021)
[Link]
UN Women — Agreed Conclusions of the Commission on the Status of Women (Resolutions
including Women in STEM, 2011 & 2015) [Link]
MIT Media Lab — Buolamwini & Gebru, Gender Shades: Intersectional Accuracy Disparities in
Commercial Gender Classification (2018) [Link]
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