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Report written by Eugenia Novoa (Speaker), Siddhesh Kapote (Speaker) Ebba Engstrom (Speaker), Jose Alvarez (Speaker) and Smriti Sonam (Special Rapporteur). Images provided by AFI Changemakers and UNCTAD Youth Summit Delegates 2018.
ISBN: 978-0-9990239-5-2 Copyright Š 2018 Ariel Foundation International
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, particularly its Secretary General, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, who provided us with the unique opportunity to participate in the UNCTAD Youth Forum of 2018. The forum was held during the World Investment Forum and in accordance, participants discussed numerous topics technology advancement and its youth involvement leading to the co-authors’ inspired contributions. Equally, we express our thankfulness to Dr. Ariel King and the AFI Changemakers team for the generous opportunity to write this report and spread our main takeaways of the UNCTAD Youth Forum. Lastly, we would like to thank all of the friends (including our UNCTAD Youth Forum network) and family members, who constantly support our efforts toward making an impact amongst youth and in shaping the digital revolution.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .................................................................................................... 3 UNCTAD Youth addressing data challenges in a digital economy ..................... 5 By Eugenia Novoa Technology in Agriculture ............................................................................................ 9 By Siddhesh Kapote Gendering of AI/Robots: Implications for Gender Equality amongst Youth Generations…………………………………………………………………………………..13 By Ebba Engstrom Finance in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: How Technology and Finance are already working together to shape the new digital economy .... 24 By Jose Alvarez Blockchain, new symbol of disruption?.................................................................. 30 By Smriti Sonam
Page 4 of 34
UNCTAD Youth addressing data challenges in a digital economy By Eugenia Novoa Abstract
tackle
During UNCTAD Youth Forum 2018
the
risks
and
opportunities
presented by this technological novelty.
sessions related to cybersecurity, social
This article aims to draw youth attention
media and even blockchains raised the
around some important issues arising
issue of data collection. The pillar role
out of data usage and collection. Starting
that data plays in the new industrial
with a reference to data’s crucial role for
revolution creates uncertainty amongst
the digital economy, followed by a brief
youth globally; hence, the international
context of the cross-border challenges to
fora must raise this topic, so that youth
the international fora; and lastly, will
undertake new opportunities and find
mention some worthy efforts to solve
solutions to foreseeable data challenges.
privacy issues.
I.
Introduction
II.
Digital Economy
Data protection and privacy two paramount topics lately discussed due to
the
upgrowing
era
of
new
Crucial role of Data in the new
Access to technology is increasingly becoming
democratized,
by
2025
technologies. Trends show a soaring
roughly every person on the planet is
need of data in different business
expected
context, for this reason people already
connected mobile devices. International
allude it as “the new oil�. Sound
reports predict that data will grow
controversies
those
exponentially from around 3 zettabytes
categorizing data as a commodity, and
in 2013 to approximately 40 Big data by
others
20201.
ascend
challenging
data
by
collection
have
access
Digitization
is
to
Internet-
transforming
persuaded by privacy of individuals. As
globalization as the volume of cross-
years go by, digital platforms steadily
border dataflows has grown 45 times
outgrow, and youth are the ones to
larger since 2005, studies show that
United Nations Conference of Trade and Development. Technology and innovation report, (2018) 1
Page 5 of 34
nearly twelve percent of the global goods
The dynamics of a global economy
trade is conducted via international e-
driven
commerce2.
technologies are enigmatic. Due to the
Moreover, European studies estimate that approximately a hundred thousand (100,000) new jobs related to data management will be created by 2020. The
global
software
market
and
for
hardware,
professional
services
linked to the implementation of big data
by
internet
and
disruptive
cross-border nature of internet and data transfers, stakeholders seem reluctant to find a wide-reaching solution to privacy concerns through regulatory frameworks.
Perhaps,
technological
charms of the digital era are the key to solve these matters.
will reach 43.7 billion euros by 2019 to
i.
European land3.
Cross-border challenges to policymakers in a global economy
Money today is no longer in oil pipelines,
The popularity of internet services and
the new oil is data, it boosts the
privacy rights advance thorough history,
provision of digital services, improves
some
decision
different
making,
technologic
while
implemented
systems
and
rules
safeguarding its citizens data4. These
data,
regulations vary in accordance to each
Internet of things and so forth. We are
country’s data protection regime, which
living in a “Data Era” driven by the use of
incorporates
devices,
concerning data processing5.
intelligence
speed
continuous
(AI),
of
expansion
such
legal
have
as
artificial
advancements
gearing
countries
big
connectivity, of
principles
“We do not plug our devices, we plug our life. All the Internet of Things can be the Internet of Threat”
amounts of data stored in the cloud. Such evolvements are paving future entrepreneurships and job markets for
Professor Solange Ghernaouti, UNCTAD Youth Forum, 2018
youth. Global efforts to unravel privacy issues
From
an
economic
outlook,
the
divergent approaches to data protection
McKinsey Global Institute. What’s now and next in analytics, AI, and automation, briefing note, (2017) 3 European Commission. Enter the data economy, (2017) 2
and
new
technologies, and generating countless
III.
rights
Renee Berry & Matthew Reisman, Policy Challenges of Cross-Border Cloud Computing, J. OF INT’L COM. & ECON., May, 2012 [hereinafter Berry] at 14-16 5 Id. 4
Page 6 of 34
can thwart transnational negotiations,
topic during UNCTAD Youth Forum
take as an example the divergences
2018.
presented in the high-tech environment between the United States and Europe, which have even reached international trade negotiations (Doha round) and BITs (TPP)6.
Overhauling the issues of cross border data
flows
might
be
possible
by
decentralizing privacy. All comes down to combining “a blockchain, re-purposed as an access-control moderator, with an
Many controversies pertaining misuse of
off blockchain storage solution”8. In this
data bounce around user profiling and
way, users won’t need a trusted third
giant social media platforms. Because of
party, the blockchain will validate the
this, international agencies encourage
accuracy of their personal data; and even
the
more, it will bypass the famous visible
adoption
regulatory
of
data
protection
frameworks7. Nonetheless,
legislators find very challenging
to
control cross-border flows of data, as their laws don’t have an international scope. Youth should take part of these conversation
acting
as
liaison
to
safeguard future generations’ interests. ii.
The key technological standpoint: Perfect Online Privacy
public ledger of bitcoin. Some already
already creating a new tool called “Perfect
Online
Privacy”
through
blockchain technologies, another sound
bright-minds
Joshua Meltzer, The Internet, Cross-Border Data Flows and International Trade, ISSUES IN TECH. INNOVATION, No. 22, Feb., 2013 [hereinafter Meltzer] at 13 7 United Nations Conference of Trade and Development. Data protection regulations
innovative
to
find
innovative
protocols and make “Perfect Online Privacy” a far-reaching technology. Conclusion
To sum up, there are still many issues
to
international
be
discussed
fora,
it
is
in
the
true
that
presently different governments are trying to boost ecommerce and data flow, yet regulations need to tie internet reality
6
this
are
This is a great opportunity for youth
While policy makers seen to have a data flows, technology wizards are
developing
protocols
approach to solve privacy challenges.
IV.
headache trying to regulate cross-border
cryptographic
and
its
cross-border
reach.
and international data flows: Implications for trade and development, (2016) 8 Zyskind, Guy & Nathan, Oz & Sandy' Pentland, Alex. (2015). Decentralizing Privacy: Using Blockchain to Protect Personal Data. IEEE. 180-184. 10.1109/SPW.2015.27.
Page 7 of 34
Innovative blockchain protocols might possibly
be
the
clue
to
About the Author
these
troublesome regulatory challenges. V.
Recommendations
1. Creating awareness of the relevance of data flows for the new digital-based transactions,
which
are
setting
off
opportunities and challenges to youth. 2.
Fostering
undertake addressing
youth
participation
international cross-border
to
initiatives data
flows’
issues. 3. Incentivizing youth entrepreneurial skills to pave on novel alternatives like
International lawyer strongly fueled by law, economics, technology, and globalization. Presently, founding partner of Discover and Learn International and active member of UNCTAD Youth.
Perfect Online Privacy. References European Commission. economy, (2017)
Eugenia Novoa, 27 epnovoa91@gmail.com
Enter
the
data
Joshua Meltzer, The Internet, Cross-Border Data Flows and International Trade, ISSUES IN TECH. INNOVATION, No. 22, Feb., 2013 McKinsey Global Institute. What’s now and next in analytics, AI, and automation, briefing note, (2017) Renee Berry & Matthew Reisman, Policy Challenges of Cross-Border Cloud Computing, J. OF INT’L COM. & ECON., May, (2012)
Has led regulatory projects pertaining Ecuadorian registry system, data protection and interoperability. Likewise, Eugenia has experience in Ecuadorian stock market and competition regime. Young mother advocating for a borderless digital revolution. We are the future! Love is my religion | mindfulness my method | yoga my hobby.
United Nations Conference of Trade and Development. Data protection regulations and international data flows: Implications for trade and development, (2016) United Nations Conference of Trade and Development. Technology and innovation report, (2018) Zyskind, Guy & Nathan, Oz & Sandy' Pentland, Alex. (2015). Decentralizing Privacy: Using Blockchain to protect Personal Data. IEEE. 180-184. 10.1109/SPW.2015.27.
Page 8 of 34
Technology in Agriculture By Siddhesh Kapote 1. What is Sustainable Development? Sustainable
development
There is
development that meets the needs of the present
without
compromising
the
ability of future generations to meet their needs as well. Today, technology plays
a
big
role
in
sustainable
development in all of its aspects: social, environmental, economic and we see more number of people relying on technology to get their daily chores done.
are
multiple
innovations
happening across the world in various sectors (vertical farming in agriculture, grid transformation using blockchain, emission-trading
policy
frameworks,
biocrude and renewable fuel production using biomass, etc.) to make possible that
technology
and
sustainable
development go hand in hand. 3. Role of Technology in Agriculture While there are so many advances taking place with the help of technology, one of
2. How is Technology beneficial for
the important and fast growing areas is
Sustainable Development?
Agriculture. Since there is a rapid
The future of technology for sustainable development
seems for
to
promising.
As
Sustainable
Development
be
any
very
kind
of
requires
a
detailed analysis and repetitive survey of
escalation of food demand due to the growing
population
worldwide,
the
demand for smart technology Artificial Intelligence is gaining pace in the agriculture industry.
many factors which is to be done
According
initially. This is a time taking, tedious
Agricultural Organisation (FAO), global
and repetitive job if done manually. Here
population is going to increase its reach
AI steps into the picture and can find
up to 9.2 billion by 2050, which means
trends
between
in the next 32 years there will be 2 billion
different independent, environmental or
more people on this earth with limited
social factors very efficiently. This kind
resources. In such a situation, only
of research can be further used for
increase in plantation will not be a
Sustainable Development projects.
feasible option, hence the adoption of AI
and
relationships
technologies needed. Page 9 of 34
to
in
the
UN
Food
agriculture
will
and
be
Driven by the rising need for high
temperature, moisture, prices or GPS
precision
signals
crop
analysis,
automated
and
provide
yield
guidelines
and
farming techniques, and collection of
increasing
data from the field, the world is likely to
farming decisions. It is also helping to
witness the agriculture industry get
automate and streamline tasks in data-
smarter with the implementation of
intensive industries traditionally ruled
technologies in the coming years. Data
by rigorous science and good old-
thus derived from implementing smart
fashioned
technologies can help farmers yield high
retailers, for example, are using AI
quality and larger quantity of crops
products to churn through terabytes of
(Wilson 2018).
precision agricultural data to create the
human
making
on
analysis.
smart
Seed
best corn crops, while pest control companies are using AI-based imagerecognition technology to identify and treat various types of bugs and vermin (Boulton 2017). Looking at all these innovations
and
advances
actually
makes us believe how AI has evolved (Precision-agriculture
image
by
Montri
Nipitvittaya/Shutterstock.com)
from
science
fiction
to
practical
implementations that can potentially
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently
help human life make better.
among the latest and most worked on
Spurred by these factors, the global
technologies. AI is a program based
smart agriculture market is projected to
technology,
digital
report a CAGR of 13.5% between 2017
computers and robots can perform real-
and 2025 (Kishorkanade 2017). At this
time tasks by using cognitive human
pace, the market’s valuation will rise
intelligence, such as speech recognition,
from US$6.55 bn in 2016 to US$23.44 bn
visual perception, decision making, etc.
by the end of 2025.
owing
to
which
AI in agriculture is commonly used for precision
farming,
crop
monitoring,
driverless tractors, automated irrigation systems,
crop
analytics,
etc.
With
precision farming, farmers will be able to analyze real time data like weather,
With
an
increase
in
the
use
of
Technology for Agriculture, farmers in the
rural
areas
are
now
able
to
understand the importance of education and are encouraging their children to
Page 10 of 34
take up good education and contribute
In order to make this possible, our
in the smart agriculture industry. More
governments,
efficiently, this saves them a lot of time
organisations,
which they can utilise in doing other
industry and educational institutions
activities and learn new things. Also,
should all work together and facilitate
along with the least amount of efforts
Sustainable Development.
and manpower required with the help of technology, old and poor farmers no
international consumers,
private
Recommendations
more have to rely on others for their
1.
work.
Universities and institutions to develop
Looking
at
the
recent
and
Government
upcoming government initiatives, one
technologies
can
environmentally.
reasonably
agree
that
our
should
that
will
support
benefit
us
agriculture industry is developing in the
2.
smart agriculture industry.
within
Conclusion
applications so that they do not resist
These factors together add up to how
Awareness farmers
should
be
created
about
various
AI
from making use of technology.
technology is helpful for sustainable
3.
development. But along with this it is
collaborations,
also essential to know that Technology
promote recent advances in technology.
alone cannot bring about a change.
4.
The Sustainable Development of human
provide
society
requires
improvement
of
can
governments
International more
Agencies
funding
and
should
should Youth
the
structural
opportunities to facilitate the learning.
both,
individual
5.
humans and society as a whole. Technology
With the help of international
facilitate
this,
Sustainable Development should
be added in the educational curriculum but
for all levels of education.
without the action of people to change
6.
ourselves at an individual and collective
carried out at a local and regional level
level, it will be difficult to achieve every
so that more people get familiarized
idea contained within the concept of
with the uses.
sustainable development.
Page 11 of 34
Instructive workshops should be
References
About the Author
1. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations http://www.fao.org/home/en/index.html 2. Global Smart Agriculture Analysis - Matt Wilson (2018) ARC https://www.reuters.com/brandfeatures/ve nture-capital/article?id=49811 3. AI, Machine blossoming in Agriculture Clint Boulton (2017) https://www.cio.com/article/3184206/artifi cial-intelligence/ai-machine-learningblossom-in-agriculture-and-pestcontrol.html 4. Smart Agriculture Market - Kishorkanade (2017) http://www.hubarticles.com/pressrealese/other/article-smart-agriculturemarket-industry-insights-trends-andforecast-upto-2025-1195.html
Siddhesh Kapote siddhesh.kapote@gmail.com Siddhesh Kapote is a Computer Science and Electrical Engineering student at University of Mumbai, India. Having deep interest in technology, he has worked
on
projects
including
AI,
Robotics, Electric & Hybrid Vehicles and Visual
Positioning
System.
He
has
received merit award for successfully designing Electric Truck at Ezenith. Siddhesh’s
past
experience
involves
work as a Team Leader for International Relations and Marketing at AIESEC India. As a team leader, he attended several local, regional and national conferences. He was also selected as a Facilitator at the
Regional
Youth
Leadership
Conference in Silvassa,India. Siddhesh has worked on projects like Wildlife Welfare, Women Empowerment, Quality Education and Sales & Marketing. He looks forward to keep learning about technology and implement it for the betterment of our world. Page 12 of 34
Gendering of AI/Robots: Implications for Gender Equality amongst Youth Generations By Ebba Engstrom Introduction
WIF’s Global Investment Game Changers Summit- one of the week’s greatest
Back at the end of October 2018, the UN
highlights. This panel discussion saw the
saw the UN Conference on Trade and
presentation
Development (UNCTAD) Youth Forum
humanoid robot granted citizenship by
take place in alignment with the World
any country, to the audience- leading to
Investment Forum (WIF). It was an
further
opportunity for selected youth to share
surrounding artificial intelligence (AI)
voices
manner,
and robots, their design and role in
regarding topics of matter to UNCTAD
future society. For the fourth industrial
with the Sustainable Development Goals
revolution it is expected that 75 million
(SDGs) as a core theme. In the rhetoric
jobs
shared by youth delegates concerning
automatisation by 2022, and robots and
UNCTAD themes, clear narratives were
AI will play a significant role in this1.
expressed regarding the future of work
With
and sustainable entrepreneurship. Two
presence and interaction, specifically
of these were, firstly, the call for greater
with
inclusive gender equality in the work
individuals, it is important to recognise
force and increased diversity- including
the societal reflections and biases they
heightened
marginalised
project in their designs- and the impact
groups to become entrepreneurs- and
these can have for instilling prejudice
secondly, a requirement for broader
toward
marginalised
understanding
regard
to
in
a
non-tokenised
support
of
and
education
of
Sophia,
the
controversial
will
these
be
Millennial
debate
displaced
technologies’ and
gender.
first
through
increasing
Generation
groupsThe
as
Z
in
showcased
surrounding the developments of the
example of Sophia’s normative female-
fourth Industrial Revolution and the
gendered design, clearly raises strong
skills needed to face challenges brought
concern surrounding biased gendered
on by automatisation.
design of robots and AI- and its impact
The discussions emphasising on these points fell in high alignment with the
on gender equality and inclusive social economic development. In this written
Page 13 of 34
piece,
the
gendering
(such as language-recognition) without
technologies in the form of robots and
being specifically programmed for this
AI (and their overlap) will be explored,
output- which is how Amazon’s Alexa or
with emphasis on its significance for
Apple’s Siri functions3. Artificial general
youth generations, as they are the ones
intelligence (AGI) is rather comparable to
who will potentially live the ethical
human intelligence (HI), as it has an
dilemmas of future societal gender
adaptable intellect toward carrying out
equality, poised by these technological
numerous types of tasks- but as of today
designs.
it has not yet been developed3. However,
Robots
topic
and
of
AI-
Relating
to
Gendering: Definitions and Issues
in a study conducted amongst expert groups in the field in 2012/13, a 50% chance
was
reported
for
the
development of AGI by 2040 and 20503.
Defining Robots and AI
What is the Outlook for the Job
To understand the issues perpetrated by
Market?
the gendering of technologies such as robots and AI, there must first be a
There is no doubt AI and robots- and
stated definition of these technologies
robots embedded with AI- will play a
and that of gender. To begin with, robots
significant
are described as machines which are
automatisation landscape of the 4th
programmed to carry out functions
Industrial Revolution. And this will have
either
semi-
a heavy direct impact on Millennials
not
(who now occupy the majority of job
necessarily need to be able ‘to think’, as
roles)4 and individuals from Generation
this would require some form of AI-
Z, entering the workforce4. With current
which
technologies,
autonomously
autonomously2.
Robots
instead
regards
or do
computer
role
in
the
the
shifting
consultancy
firm
programming and algorithms designed
McKinsey, has reported that in American
to process information, learn from it,
industry 30% of activities across 60% of
tackle complex logical problems, and/or
occupations could be automated5. In
have language-understanding2. There are
fact, in a study carried out by the OECD6
various forms of AI, but they can be split
in 2018, it was described that across 32
into two broader classifications- narrow
participatory countries studied, one in
and general AI . Narrow AI has its
two
purpose of carrying out specified tasks
automation to a significant extent- but
3
Page 14 of 34
jobs
were
to
be
affected
by
the figures for this statistic varied highly
workforce
between the countries. More so, different
functions/roles. In a study conducted by
jobs showed different degrees to which
Fuze, it was for example found that
they
and
current youth in workforce were more
youth
sceptical than older generations of AI
employment (especially in regard to
coming in to complete job tasks- as they
gender equality), findings from the study
foremost had a negative perception of
suggested that teenage and entry level
their humanised HI aspects, which could
job tasks were of highest risk of
make their own creative and problem-
automation, in comparison to senior
solving skills replaceable9. On the other
positions6. In addition, according to the
hand, in a survey of members from
WEF, women were more likely to hold
Generation Z in comparison to members
these types of positions7. Yet, the OECD6
of Generation X, it was found that 29% of
also stated that young people are better
the former group saw that AI provided
skilled to face the redundancy provided
an opportunity in taking over jobs they
by this change, and better suited to
otherwise deemed boring- whereas only
adapt to it and to find jobs created by
16% of the latter group shared this
the new technologies. In accordance, the
opinion10.
WEF reported that 75 million jobs will be
comfortable or not with the notion of AI
specifically displaced by a combination
and robots coming into the workforce
of AI, robots and other automation
and society to replace tasks earlier
technologies
also
carried out by humans, this is a reality in
suggested 133 million new jobs could be
the happening- and thus, we must
created by the same year1. Furthermore,
understand
as shown by the OECD , AI specifically
reflections of designers’ views, impact
puts
societal
could
interestingly,
be in
by
impacted6terms
2022-
of
but
6
low-skilled
jobs
at
risk
than
and
Yet,
how
norms
gaining
whether
their and
societal
youth
designs
are
and
prejudices.
previous technological progresses, but as discussed by Forbes, in alignmentnew industries and careers will come about which do not exist as of yet8.
Defining Gender When defining the concept of gender, we must
first
differentiate
it
from
a
In observing such statistics- it is of
person’s ‘sex’. According to the WHO11,
interest to further understand how
gender is observed as the “socially
youth themselves perceive this future
constructed characteristics of women
reality of AI and robots entering the
and men”, which can refer to the
Page 15 of 34
relationships between men and women,
In reflection of the gendering (designing
norms and roles which they take on.
normative attributes associated with
These social constructs differ between
genders) of technologies, robots or AI
varying societies. Sex, on the other hand,
designed up to this day with gendered
is assigned accordingly to a new-born’s
attributes, first of all, do not have a
genitals12- which is most often either
biological sex (as they do not have
biologically female or male- yet, there is
biological genitals), but also do not have
a spectrum due to differing intersexes13.
a self-developed gender- their gendered
The gender of an individual is often
aspects have merely been coded in (in
presumed with the sex, however, it lies
the form of voices as with for example,
and develops within a broader spectrum-
Amazon’s Alexa) or on a physical front,
based on a person’s experience of their
added as design-additions13,15. This is not
own body and society’s perception of
to say that future AI may be able to
their
an
develop their own genders- and maybe
their
even invent genders not falling into any
gender in the context of their society12.
existent human classification. Thus, the
body,
individual,
their
and
identity
expression
as of
gendering of AI or robots, is currently Gender remains a big part of our identity
human-induced
and a reflection of
as humans, as it still impacts how we
designers’ views on gender associated
perceive and feel in harmony with
attributes- as well as, their weighted
ourselves- especially in the context of
understanding of (and potentially, care
external societal created gender roles,
for) how different expressed genders are
norms, and outlooks on intra- and inter-
impacted
gender relationships11,12. Today, it is
technologies (even if unintentionally)
widely more accepted that gender holds
produced to carry out certain functions
a broader spectrum rather than a binary
and end up being treated with particular
categorisation12, and some individuals
mannerisms.
when
represented
by
choose to either identify with a more fluid notion or no gender at all14.
Gendering
However,
Questions and Issues Raised
the
discussion
of
even
(and
Humanising):
identifying with a gender at all, still remains,
demonstrating
gender’s
When gendering AI and robots, it is
highlighted role as an identification
definite that this brings along biases in
concept.
design determined by the designers at Page 16 of 34
play- which raises several issues. In this
Tay-scenario could have been avoided if
piece, the issues reflected on pertain
women had been consulted and been at
specifically
of
the table when designing and developing
expressive
the chatbot17. Additionally, in a talk
manner. However, it should also be
offered by Neff at the Oxford Internet
mentioned
inherent
Institute18, the question was raised of
issues, and several case examples of
how coded biases in AI and robots
these, of coding of AI being carried out
embedded with AI, would affect persons
by a non-diverse, male-dominated group
of
of persons , as well as of AI being fed
interacting
AI/robots
to
the
in
gendering
physically
that
there
are
7
with
data
stereotypes
representing and
marginalised with
societal these
groups
technologies.
gender
perceptions
in
a
In looking at the issues concerning the
patriarchal society16. One such example
gendering of AI and robots, it is
is that of prejudicial Google searches
important to factor in that this both
reported by the Guardian, whereby in
entails the design of these with both
searching the phrase “unprofessional
normative female and male qualities-
hairstyles for work” provided images of
and both of these can do harm toward
black women with natural hairstyles,
the perception of the different genders.
whereas “professional hairstyles” led to
Now, firstly, one of the issues lies with
the display of Caucasian women with
the sheer design of these technologies.
done-up hair-does7.
The way in which they are designed and thereafter identified by humans who
Another example, is the AI chatbot Tay
have either created or use them- can
gendered as a female, launched by
enforce
Microsoft in 2016 on Twitter to interact
different genders should look, sound or
with the community, only to be taken
act. Secondly, if different gendered AI or
down
robots take on differentiating roles or
16
formulate
hours her
later17.
responses
Tay
would
based
on
functions
stereotypes
in
society-
regarding
in
the
how
way
conversational input with Twitter users-
Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri have a
yet as a result of these interactions she
perceived ‘female’ voice and are virtual
started
and
assistants- it can reinforce stereotypes
racist phrases- as that was how she was
and negative social norms of the roles
bemet17. Professor Gina Neff at Oxford
(including workforce roles) different
Internet Institute, has argued that the
genders should undertake. For example,
expressing
misogynistic
Page 17 of 34
it has been found in different studies
technologies would cause us to feel
that female voices for virtual assistant
empathy and want us to treat them as
technologies and for guidance on for
equals- which would not be suitable as
example,
in
they are there to perform tasks for
preference over male voices19. However,
humans. This is a highly unsettling
when it came to AI systems instructing
vision- and one we must be aware of
orders
as
could happen due to current gender
computing- male voices were preferred19.
norms and perceptions, as well as
This is a problematic scenario, yet by
cautious of- in order to ensure societal
allowing for gender stereotypes to be
gender equality.
relationships,
on
subject
were
areas
such
played on and be lived out- the issue becomes
even
Thirdly, by technologies
further
in
certain
roles
human standard, it can furthermore reinforce ideas that a gender can be treated in such a way20. The latter, is specifically a concern raised in the production of gendered robots intended for sexual use, as it can contribute to the furthered objectification of any gender represented by these21,22. Laurie Penny23 has in accordance with this third point argued, that with the of
AI
and
robots
to
specifically take care of domestic and service functions- that expanded female gendering is of likelihood to happen in current
patriarchally
normed
society. In a discussive piece23, she rather provocatively points out that this is because exposure to the male gendered
Robots:
How
Remaining
and
disrespectful or authoritarian by any
our
and
putting these gendered
allowing for their treatment to be
introduction
Gendering and Humanising AI
exacerbated.
With
all
Viable
these
are
They
Options?
underlying
issues
associated with the gendering of AI, one might ask why it is still considered as a viable design option. In regard to voice systems, Robert Weideman (an executive vice
president
at
Nuance
Communications Inc.) has stated that creating genderless versions of these, is first of all, and in
simple
terms-
difficult19. However, the company was in fact able to create a more childlike, less gender-associated voice for SoftBank’s Pepper- but which may in turn raise other
concerns
of
AI/robot
design
incorporating children-features, and in the way they then are treated. Secondly, using voices identified as female, also has a marketing and consumer aspectas female voices have been found more welcoming by both men and women19.
Page 18 of 34
Yet, in a study carried out at Indiana
ask ourselves whether our perception of
University- when more responses were
them as machines changes- for example,
acquired in regard to preference of
whether it causes us to feel empathy or
female
voices,
even love for them, and whether will it
which were beyond the voluntary survey
make us have higher expectations on the
scope- men showed no preference, but
technologies
women
responsibilities or it will make us
or male
showed
synthesised
an
even
stronger
to
carry
out
human
preference for the female voices19.
hesitant to have them carry out certain
Beyond both the technical and consumer
jobs which could cause them harm24,27. In
aspects of gendering technologies, the
feeling
question
the
strong bonds, we may expect robots/AI
‘neutral’
to attain certain human rights and
arises as to
gendering
(even
androgynous
if
level)
whether
at
a
of
these
is
such
potential
empathy
citizenships
and
forming
(which
the
furthermore, a foremost step in their
consulting firm Accenture has argued
humanisation
share
are necessary to keep robots/AI on ‘the
in
right track’28)- raising them to the same
representation of humans)24- as gender,
position as humans in society. Perhaps
in all its forms, remains a prominent
this will be the first step in AI/robots
part
attributes
of
(designing of
to
humans
self-identification.
or
And
the
dissociating
is
the
creators, and making us dispensable.
technological development direction we
Furthermore, it must be explored how
are heading in24- even if the question has
these new robot/AI-human relationships
arisen of whether the humanisation of AI
will impact the societal fabric and
and robots is really necessary, and if it
human-human
should even be allowed at any level of AI
reflection of gender- whether this be cis-
which is not on par with HI (as it could
female or male, trans, or even a-
have unintended consequences for how
gendered- as stated in prior, this is still
we perceive humans)21.
a prominent part in how we define
humanisation
Studies
have
of
in
AI/robots
prior
shown
that
specifically robots are perceived as being more trustworthy if they are humanisedwhich could potentially lead to their increased adoption in society24,25,26.Yet, in
themselves
from
relationships24.
their
In
ourselves as humans. Thus, it is of interest to see if we can actually move away from the whole concept, even from the level of androgyny, if trying to achieve highly humanised robots or AI.
humanising robots and AI, we have to Page 19 of 34
Gender Equality amongst Youth:
highlighted criticism and protests of the
More
gender pay gap, movements such as
Important
Than
Ever
#MeToo
and
#TimesUp29,
and
the
Now, the gendering of AI and robots, and
incorporation of the UN SDG 5- working
its consequences for gender equality, is
toward
most definitely an issue all generations
despite all these pushes, and even
should take an interest to and engage in-
statistical data produced presenting the
as current views and voices will have an
benefits of a more gender inclusive and
impact on the designs of tomorrow.
diversified workforce in organisations
However, it is especially pivotal for
and companies30, there is still a lot of
youth to be part of these discussions. It
work to do.
is
For today’s and future society, the
the
forthcoming
generations
gender
equality.
(Millennials and Generation Z included)
newest
who are predicted to (and will most
workforce, Generation Z, expects gender
likely) experience, the most direct and
equality to be the norm29- as they see
challenging impact of automatisation-
gender inequality and ‘glass ceilings’ in
and be in increasing contact with AI and
the work place as outdated. In a survey
robots. To ensure that these generations’
carried out on Generation Z, it was found
expectations
in
that 69% of respondents wanted to work
overarching society, including in the
and live in a diverse community. More
workforce, are fulfilled- they must both
so, there has been a resurgence in the
be educated on the topic of biased and
feminist movement amongst youth- and
gendered design, and also be able to
today, the movement has developed its
shape the ethical discussions which
narrative to be more inclusive and
determine the designs themselves.
focused on all genders- including men,
on
gender
equality
women,
generation
trans
to
However,
and
enter
the
non-binary
In recent years, the question of gender
individuals31. Furthermore, it is strongly
equality (even if still heavily discussed
recognised that there is intersectionality
through a binary lens) has really been of
to gender perceptions- and the realities
emphasis. This reality has possibly
for, for example different races of a
brought on by 4th wave feminism
gender, must be taken into account31.
mechanisms of using social media to
In a future where the humanising and
spread
foster
associated gendering of AI and robots,
by
appears to be an expected trajectory24, it
information
communications-
and
and driven
Page 20 of 34
is essential that a more diverse group of people of varying genders and races are sat at the table when producing the designs for AI and robots- as well as in discussing the implications these will
Conclusion To conclude, today we are experiencing the employment sector’s entrance into the 4th Industrial Revolution and the furthered adoption and development of robots and AI for work and societal functions. Millennials, Generation Z and future generations are those who will grow alongside these developments, as people and in job role. Moreover, they will observe and be in direct experience, of the impact these will have in how we perceive other humans and human In
designing
1. World Economic Forum (2018). The Future of Jobs Report 2018. [online] Www3.weforum.org. Available at: http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Futur e_of_Jobs_2018.pdf. 2. Owen-Hill, A. (2017). What's the Difference Between Robotics and Artificial Intelligence?. [online] Blog.robotiq.com. Available at: https://blog.robotiq.com/whats-thedifference-between-robotics-and-artificialintelligence.
have for gender equality.
relationships.
References
and
humanising AI/robots, and doing so with a gendered outlook, our society must discuss and raise the ethical questions of the impact this will have for the reinforcement of gender stereotypes and gender equality amongst humans. Furthermore, for these conversations to be the most insightful and bring about the most representative outputs, voices from across the spectra must be heardincluding, and pivotally, those of youth.
3. Heath, N. (2018). What is AI? Everything you need to know about Artificial Intelligence | ZDNet. [online] ZDNet. Available at: https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-aieverything-you-need-to-know-aboutartificial-intelligence/. 4. Loehr, A. (2018). Future Of Work Trends To Watch: Gen Z, AI & Automation [Infographic]. [online] Anneloehr.com. Available at: https://www.anneloehr.com/2018/07/12/f uture-work-trends-gen-z-automation-aiinfographic/. 5. Social Chain (2018). AI Equals Disruption, But What Will the Impact Be for Gen Z? Scribe - Social Chain. [online] Social Chain. Available at: https://www.socialchain.com/scribe/aiequals-disruption-will-impact-gen-z/. 6. Nedelkoska, L. and Quintini, G. (2018). Automation, skills use and training. OECD Social, Employment and Migration Working Papers, No. 202, OECD Publishing, Paris. 7. Bartoletti, I. (2018). Women must act now, or male-designed robots will take over our lives | Ivana Bartoletti. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfr ee/2018/mar/13/women-robots-ai-maleartificial-intelligence-automation. 8. Marlin, D. (2018). Millennials, This Is How Artificial Intelligence Will Impact Your Job For Better And Worse. [online] Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielmarlin /2018/01/16/millennials-this-is-howartificial-intelligence-will-impact-your-jobfor-better-and-worse/#444bbac34533.
Page 21 of 34
9. Middleton, C. (2018). The Future of Work: Youth sceptical of A.I., 'work as a service' rising | Internet of Business. [online] Internet of Business. Available at: https://internetofbusiness.com/future-ofwork-youth-sceptical-of-a-i-work-as-aservice-rising-special-report/. 10. Onrec.com. (2018). Gen Z most concerned about robots taking their jobs | Onrec. [online] Available at: http://www.onrec.com/news/statistics-andtrends/gen-z-most-concerned-about-robotstaking-their-jobs. 11. World Health Organization. (2018). Gender. [online] Available at: http://www.who.int/gender-equityrights/understanding/genderdefinition/en/. 12. Gender Spectrum. (2017). Understanding Gender. [online] Available at: https://www.genderspectrum.org/quicklinks/understanding-gender/. 13. Søraa, R. (2017). Mechanical genders: how do humans gender robots?. Gender, Technology and Development, 21(1-2), pp.99115. 14. McQuater, K. (2018). Gen Z: realness, gender fluidity and in search of balance | News. [online] Research Live. Available at: https://www.researchlive.com/article/news/gen-z-realnessgender-fluidity-and-in-search-ofbalance/id/5033622. 15. Robbins, M. (2016). Is BB-8 a woman: why are we so determined to assign gender to AI?. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/science/thelay-scientist/2016/feb/12/is-bb-8-a-womanartificial-intelligence-gender-identity. 16. Bano, M. (2018). Artificial intelligence is demonstrating gender bias – and it’s our fault. [online] Kcl.ac.uk. Available at: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=c97f7c12-ae02-4394-8f8431ba4d56ddf7. 17. Alumni.ox.ac.uk. (2018). Oxford Alumni / Alexa, does AI have gender?. [online] Available at: https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/quad/article/ alexa-does-ai-have-gender.
18. Neff, G. (2018). Does AI have Gender?. 19. Stern, J. (2017). Alexa, Siri, Cortana: The Problem With All-Female Digital Assistants. [online] WSJ. Available at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/alexa-siricortana-the-problem-with-all-female-digitalassistants1487709068?mod=rss_Technology. 20. LoCascio, R. (2018). Tech’s Future Is Female: Why Women Must Lead the AI Revolution. [online] Thriveglobal.com. Available at: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/tech-sfuture-is-female-why-women-must-lead-theai-revolution/. 21. Winfield, A. (2016). Should robots be gendered? | Robohub. [online] Robohub.org. Available at: https://robohub.org/robotsshould-not-be-gendered/. 22. World Economic Forum (2018). AI has a gender problem. Here’s what to do about it. [online] World Economic Forum. Available at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/04 /ai-has-a-gender-problem-heres-what-to-doabout-it/. 23. Penny, L. (2016). Why do we give robots female names? Because we don't want to consider their feelings. [online] Newstatesman.com. Available at: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/fe minism/2016/04/why-do-we-give-robotsfemale-names-because-we-dont-wantconsider-their. 24. Robert, L. (2017). The Growing Problem of Humanizing Robots. International Robotics & Automation Journal, 3(1). 25. You, S. and Robert, L. (2017). Emotional Attachment, Performance, and Viability in Teams Collaborating with Embodied Physical Action (EPA) Robots. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 19(5), pp.377-407. 26. Robert L.P. and You, S. (2015). Subgroup Formation in Teams Working with Robots in the Extended Abstracts of the 33rd ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI 2015). South Korea, pp. 20972102.
Page 22 of 34
27. Carpenter, J. (2014). Just doesn’t look right: exploring the impact of humanoid robot integration into explosive ordnance disposal teams. In Robotics: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications. IGI Global, USA, pp. 1354-1380.
About the author
28. The Telegraph. (2018). How do we educate our robot citizens?. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/esse ntial-insights/robot-citizens/. 29. Kovary, G. (2018). Gender Equality at Work and How Gen Z Feels About It | n-gen. [online] Ngenperformance.com. Available at: http://www.ngenperformance.com/blog/ge n-z-2/gender-equality-at-work-and-how-genz-feels-about-it. 30. TheHill. (2018). Gender equality is good for business. [online] Available at: https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/37739 1-gender-equality-is-good-for-business. 31. Aune, K. (2018). Why feminism still matters to young people. [online] The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/whyfeminism-still-matters-to-young-people91299.
Ebba Engstrom ebbaengstrom28@gmail.com Ebba Engstrom is an MPA Development, Technology graduate
and from
Innovation University
Policy College
London, with a prior BSc (Honours) background in Biotechnology from the University of Edinburgh. She holds multi-faceted experience and interest within a variety of fields- including agricultural
development,
innovation
policy, gender equality issues and urban studies- and is a Youth-Ag Summit alumni via Bayer Ag and recently sat as a panellist regarding the SDGs at the UNCTAD Youth Forum. Ebba has in prior carried out research with focus on how technologies and innovative concepts, can pave way for development within sectors such as agriculture- with an attributed policy lens.
Page 23 of 34
Finance in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: How Technology and Finance are already working together to shape the new digital economy By Jose Alvarez Introduction Geneva,
transactions.
Switzerland;
The
week
of
October 22nd through October 26th,
The
fourth
industrial
revolution is particularly impactful in that new technologies will make their way into individuals’ hands across the
2018 –
world faster than ever before. Below are These were the dates of the 2018 World
just some of the highlights on how the
Investment Forum (WIF) hosted by the
Fourth Industrial revolution is already
UN
having an impact on Businesses and
Conference
on
Trade
and
Development (UNCTAD) and the dates
Consumers alike.
2018 UNCTAD Youth Forum. Thousands of people flew in during the week to
Financial Reporting
attend sessions to learn about the latest
In
developments
investing,
International Federation of Accountants
finance and technology. Throughout
identified that the accounting profession
both the WIF sessions and the Youth
would undergo tremendous change in
Forum session, one topic kept coming
the next three decades attributed to
up: The Fourth Industrial Revolution. In
“evolving smart and digital technology,
an article posted by the World Economic
continued
Forum, The Fourth Industrial Revolution
reporting/disclosure standards, and new
was described as “the advent of ‘cyber-
forms of regulation2.” Accounting and
physical systems’ involving entirely new
financial reporting had been completed
capabilities for people and machines1.”
manually for thousands of years until
With any industrial revolution, as society
the advent and subsequent adoption of
changes with the adoption of new
computer technology during the Third
technology, so must the methods for
Industrial
recording
optimize financial reporting and thus
and
in
trade,
reporting
financial
Page 24 of 34
a
February
2017
article,
globalization
revolution
that
began
The
of
to
change how accountants approached
software
their work. This trend continues to this
transactions
day. Accounting and financial reporting
finance professionals more time to focus
software
on data integrity and analysis. These
has
evolved.
Initially
the
that
will
and
automate recording,
giving
software offered could only be locally
enhancements
hosted on a desktop or internal server
financial
with access to view financial information
changing how financial reports are able
limited to only those in finance who
to be analyzed. Auditors no longer have
knew which parameters to adjust for the
to be on-site for their full engagements
desired reports to be run from these
if
systems3.
reporting
completely cloud based solutions. In the
functions were very limited and there
non-profit world, funders can receive
were high costs to customizing the
real-time reports on how particular
software
a
projects are doing financially from the
number of cloud-based options that
other side of the world without having to
provide customization to organizations
step foot on a plane to access that
of every size. Software is no longer a
information. Accounting software such
one-time purchase to be used on one
as Sage Intacct is even using technology
computer, but sold as a subscription
found on social media platforms to
service3.
transform
The
financial
used. Today, there are
Along
Accounting
and
with
this
financial
change, reporting
to
these
reporting
organizations
accounting
and
software
are
have
how
communicate
moved
to
organizations
about
financial
software has become more varied and
transactions by allowing users to tag
accessible to more users than ever
other users and leave comments on
before.
Transactional
particular transactions or reports4. The
stored
in
accounting
lines between technology and financial
software as well as integrating with
reporting start to blur even further when
other ERP systems to automatically sync.
you consider the amount of raw data
Rather than having to manually record
finance professional have to handle on a
transactional events such as payables,
daily basis. The American Institute of
receivables, payroll, taxes, depreciation
Certified
and
encouraged
other
cloud
data is being
based
miscellaneous
expense
Public
Accountants
students
has
pursuing
allocations, there are options depending
accounting to start studying coding and
on the system being used to either
several financial reporting software even
customize a program or use a third party
allow users to create enhancements and
Page 25 of 34
build out modules that can then be
investment
included in future updates and pushed
presents a new set of opportunities for
out to end users5.
individuals to be able to circumvent traditional
Investing
platform,
access
RobinHood,
to
investment
markets. RobinHood is a mobile app
Another area where the Fourth Industrial
accessible only by mobile phone that
Revolution is disrupting an industry is in
allows you to start trading NYSE and
investing. Technological advances have
NASDAQ listed stocks commission free
helped break down access barriers for
with an initial investment of $50 USD
individuals and organizations alike by
and provides incentives such as free
automating
and
stocks by sharing a custom invitation
lowering the amount of capital needed to
link with friends7. Stash and Acorns ease
enter financial capital markets7. One
the barriers to access for individuals
such
an
even more by lowering the amount to
uses
start an account to $5 USD. These apps
automated algorithms to provide its user
connect to users bank accounts and
financial
round up each transaction to the nearest
financial
platform
investment
advising
is
Betterment,
platform advice
that
tailored
to
each
individual user situation. In the past
dollar
year,
first
amount rounded up is then transferred
independent financial advisor to reach
to an individual’s investment account in
$10
under
each respective app for the individual to
success,
be able to invest as they wish7. While the
Betterment billion
became
USD
management . 7
in
the
assets
Betterment’s
or
currency
equivalent.
The
along with the success of other similar
platforms
online
primarily on the US Markets, there is
independent
spurred
platforms
long-standing
has
investment
increasing
mentioned activity
above
from
focus
emerging
companies and investment branches of
markets as access to mobile phones and
banks to develop their own automated
data continue to increase. For example,
financial
Charles
Saxo Bank started off as a small
Schwab, Black Rock and Deutsche Bank
brokerage over 19 years ago, but has
have all taken steps to become more
grown by tapping into early trends in
competitive
after
like
Globalization and Technology. While the
Betterment
caused
to
majority of Saxo Bank’s client still come
traditional routes for individuals to
from developed countries, the brokerage
reach
firm notes their digital strategies have
advisor
investment
platforms.
platforms disruption
markets . 7
Another
Page 26 of 34
resulted in four out every 10 customers
Leaving your wallet at home has never
being located in developing countries6.
been easier with the proliferation of
Given that more individuals worldwide
payment Apps like Venmo, PayPal and
continue to gain access to data enable
M-Pesa,
mobile phones and that barriers to
partnership with PayPal that will connect
access
investment
Kenya’s 27.8 million M-Pesa users to
markets continue to fall, we can expect
PayPal’s 227 million users world wide9.
emerging markets to strengthen their
However, the future looks to take cash-
presence
less transactions even further. The
and
transact
across
the
in
board
as
has
happened with Saxo Bank.
which
recently
brokered
a
Fourth Industrial Revolution has been described as cyber-physical, blurring the
Consumer Purchases
lines between what is strictly physical
Each industrial revolution has enhanced
and what is strictly digital in nature1.
how consumers paid for goods and
Imagine being able to pay for goods
services. Consumers were either paying
using with only a smile. While this may
for goods by exchanging services or
sound
exchanging physical currency backed by
companies
gold and silver for millennia. Paper
technology in testing phases across the
money back by government didn’t quite
world. AliBaba has partnered with KFC
take off until the renaissance which
for
brought
scientific,
program. Customers will to be able to
artistic and technological advances to
pay for their food by allowing kiosks to
Western Europe and the rest of the
scan their faces for unique biometric
world. This first industrial revolution
markers that will then authorize the
brought us the advent of Electronic
transaction to be withdrawn from the
Funds Transfer in the 1860s, while it
consumer’s
took almost another century for credit
Chinese companies have been working
cards to be invented in 1946 . Today’s
on facial recognition technology to
consumers have more options to pay for
improve
purchases than ever before. Cash, Credit,
convenience to individuals’ lives. Face++,
Debit, Contactless payments, and Mobile
a Chinese startup, has partnered with
wallets are all at the hands of today’s
ride-hailing apps to allow for facial
consumers, giving them more choice
recognition as credentials to call for a
than ever before on how to pay goods.
ride and also uses this same technology
an
explosion
of
8
Page 27 of 34
a
like
the that
facial
future,
there
are
already
have
this
recognition
AliPay
its
payments
digital
capacity
to
wallet10.
bring
to allow employees and visitors to enter
appear to be the new innovation with
their offices without the need of an ID
Consumer purchases. Banking giant,
badge12.Baidu, one of China’s largest
BBVA, announced back in June 2018 that
search engines is working on using their
it was working
facial recognition software to allow
recognition payment platform for mass
users in its database to purchase rail
role out called “Selfie & Go13.” As the
tickets
facial
market floods with innovations in cash-
recognition12. In the United States, while
less payments using biometric markers,
the public has adopted facial recognition
we can expect one to outshine the rest
technology through our phones; there is
and bring standardization to the mass
one
market upon adoption.
solely
chain
through
of
restaurants
that
is
pioneering similar technology to allow its
customers
CaliBurger.
to
pay
CaliBurger
via
piloted
smile, their
1.
store. Customers are able to create an with
CaliBurger,
upload
a
2.
picture and connect their private credit card information so that they can use the kiosks in store. Once at the kiosks and customers have completed their order, customers can choose the smile to pay feature
which
will
then
scan
3.
and
compare the person’s face standing in
4.
front of the kiosk to the profile picture that
was
uploaded.
CaliBurger
5.
customers must then validate their account by entering the 3 or 4 digit CVV security code located on the back of their
6.
credit card that they entered while creating the account which will trigger the credit card to be charged for a delicious
burger
of
the
customer’s
choice11. Facial recognition payments
its own
facial
References
facial recognition first in their Pasadena account
on
7.
Nicholas Davis, World Economic Forum, What is the fourth industrial revolution?, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/w hat-is-the-fourth-industrial-revolution/, Jan 19, 2016 Muhammad Azizul Islam, PhD, International Federation of Accountants, Future of Accounting Profession: Three Major Changes and Implications for Teaching and Research, https://www.ifac.org/global-knowledgegateway/businessreporting/discussion/future-accountingprofession-three-major, Feb 10, 2017 Aspiring Accountants, http://www.aspiringaccountants.co.uk/s oftware-a-brief-history/, Aug 24, 2017 Sage Intacct, https://www.sageintacct.com/intacctcollaborate, 2018 AICPA, https://www.aicpa.org/interestareas/acc ountingeducation/newsandpublications /should-accounting-students-code.html, July 14, 2015 Oxford Economics, The New Digital Economy: How it will transform business, https://www.pwc.com/mt/en/publications/ass ets/the-new-digital-economy.pdf, June 2011 AxxSys Consulting, The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Impact on Financial Services, http://axxsysconsulting.com/wpcontent/uploads/2018/03/FinTechWhite-paper.pdf, Feb 2018
Page 28 of 34
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Rebecca Burn-Callander, The Guardian, The history of money: from barter to bitcoin, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/bu sinessclub/money/11174013/Thehistory-of-money-from-barter-tobitcoin.html, Oct 20, 2014 Phillippe Le Houerou and Dan Schulman, World Economic Forum, Technology is delivering better access to financial services. Here’s how, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018 /04/digital-finance-can-fight-povertyheres-how/, Apr 20, 2018 Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, Alibaba launches ‘smile to pay’ facial recognition system at KFC in China, https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/04/alib aba-launches-smile-to-pay-facialrecognition-system-at-kfc-china.html, Sept 4, 2017 Catherine Clifford, CNBC, You can pay for your burger with your face at this fast food restaurant, thanks to A.I., https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/02/pay -with-facial-recognition-a-i-at-caliburgerin-pasadena-california.html, Feb 2, 2018 Will Knight, MIT Technology Review, Face-detecting systems in China now authorize payments, provide access to facilities, and track down criminals. Will other countries follow?, https://www.technologyreview.com/s/6 03494/10-breakthrough-technologies2017-paying-with-your-face/, March/April 2017 Issue BBVA, BBVA launches facial recognition payments, https://www.bbva.com/en/bbvalaunches-facial-recognition-payments/, June 21, 2018 Jennifer Surane and Christopher Cannon, Bloomberg, Why China’s Payment Apps Give U.S. Bankers Nightmares, https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2018payment-systems-china-usa/, May 23, 2018
About the Author
Jose Alvarez Jalvarez1188@gmail.com Jose Alvarez strives to save the world one financial statement at a time. Throughout his career, Jose has served in positions of leadership for several organizations whose missions share similar goals to the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly when it comes
to youth empowerment.
improving
financial
By
workflows,
establishing financial frameworks for social impact investing organizations and
NGOs and
increasing
financial
solvency through thorough financials analysis,
Jose
has
helped
many
organizations thrive and carry out their missions. In his spare time, Jose also serves as the treasurer for a Washington, DC
based
organization
and
community-based stays
reading, Yoga and CrossFit.
Page 29 of 34
active
with
Blockchain, new symbol of disruption? By Smriti Sonam Introduction
Blockchain is an open source technology
When we talk about Blockchain first thing that comes to our mind is Bitcoin. But Blockchain is more than Bitcoin and much
larger
Bitcoin.
Bitcoin
is
cryptographic currency recognized by the European Court of Justice in 2015. It cannot exist without Blockchain. But thanks to Bitcoin that in recent past due
for
storing
information . A
and
transmitting
distributed
public
database, unalterable, anonymous and governed
through
a
democratic
functioning. In a layman’s terms it’s like a huge excel sheet that runs on millions of computers. Blockchain genome is divided into three parts.
to its aggressive and sudden popularity
It is transparent: Blockchain is an open
drew
source medium. All transactions are
some
lime
lights
towards
Blockchain as well.
registered and accessible to anyone and
Blockchain like Big Data is a vision of storage and use of data, they both are two models of interconnections and
all at any time. Also anyone can change the underlying codes and everyone can see all the change activities.
communications. Many experts today
It is distributed: Without a control organ,
seize
these topics to explore the
shared between its different users and
emergence of new uses of today and
kept up to date collectively. There exist
tomorrow revealed by advanced digital
no intermediaries to authenticate or
advances, in order to model and then
establish a transaction.
experiment with new systems that will bring
breakthrough
solutions
to
customers with very high added value.
It is secure: The corollary of its two specificities
The Blockchain in a few words
Page 30 of 34
.(What is Blockchain Technology? A Step-by-Step Guide For Beginners, 2018) Therefore, it is a matter of trust, born
More
from the communion of the gradual
intellectual
dematerialization of money and the
considering
crisis of confidence in any form of
intermediary, the Blockchain can seduce
elitism and regulation.
cultural creators by providing them with
This technology is based on the "Peer-to-
widely,
this
would
affect
property. Without the
benefit
of
an
direct and transparent remuneration.
Peer" model, eliminating any central
We are also talking about crowdfunding
server and allows a user to register a
3.0, where the Blockchain replaces the
transaction with another user via the
current regulators who are paying an
network
average of 5 to 8% on the sums collected,
directly
without
any
intermediary.
which
Where Blockchain finds its place in real world?
that is best identified today. In Future all underutilized
transformed parking
reduces
these
connection costs. In the medical field, this would be a way
Among all uses, usage sharing is the one the
drastically
into
spaces,
apartments.
assets income:
will
be
carpools,
temporarily
empty
to give patients back control over their personal data. The areas of development in e-health are still to be exploited especially on the democratization of teleconsultation,
which
overcome the lack of doctors.
Page 31 of 34
aims
to
Newborns
of
the
21st
century, “The value of an idea lies in the using of it.”
Blockchain and Connected Objects can work together. Connected objects would
Thomas Edison
communicate with each other directly following
a
peer-to-peer
trust
Looking at recent market corrections,
transaction from object to object.
upcoming regulations, and accelerated
A connected object could decide to buy
adoption of the technology by global
assets necessary for its functioning or
institutions all point at an ongoing
that of its ecosystem. A connected light
“normalization”
bulb would command its replacement at
market is beginning to speculate less
the first signs of end of life and the
and projects are finding actual use. All
Blockchain would store the transactions
these make Blockchain a safer bet for
between the connected object and the
users and investors alike (Vilner, 2018)
Marketplace.
of
Blockchain.
The
The Paradox:
There is a gargantuan potential in this
The network nodes (called miners) that
technology.
validate the transactions are chosen
beneficial
Blockchain has proven for
activities
that
are
according to their computing power and
dependent on transparent and secured
remunerated
mode
Blockchain
distribution
based
the
of
financial
functioning.
For
transactions,
documents,
charity
example,
government
fund
dispersal,
on
accordingly. The is
therefore
centralization
of
a
computing power.
medical records, human aid and relief funds are some such areas, which
If Blockchain provides an answer to the
blooms best only when principles or
security problem that Big Data is facing,
transparency and security are applied.
but if majority of its users become
Some known banking organisations have
corrupt then the security inherent in
already
Blockchain’s
started
Blockchain
building
infrastructures.
their
own
Countries
like Sweden has even started testing its Blockchain system for land registry (Vilner, 2018) .
may
democratic
prove
to
be
functioning
illusory
and
compromise its integrity. Blockchain
is
immutable. Since
its
creation, all information is encrypted and registered, so there is no deletion of information. This poses a long term Page 32 of 34
storage
problem. What
about
the
About the author
environmental issues, energy crises and right to be forgotten? Blockchain projects and unchangeable and
irreversible
method
or
working. What would happen if the claims in the records were fraudulent or simply
wrong? While
the
Blockchain
upsets the role of trusted third parties, Smriti Sonam smritisonam@yahoo.co.in
would it finally need guarantors? Like theses are some other more burning
A new age thinker and a human right
questions that challenges existence of
defender – Smriti believes in the
this powerful technology , and they are
power of multi-perspective thinking
quite thought provocative.
and creative problem solving. A
Today
Blockchain
unanimously
technology
recognized
for
is its
Business
Project
Manager
by
profession Smriti is also passionately
potential, and despite an upsurge in
involved
in
projects
investment and proof of concept work, it
Nations.
is still in its infancy and is gradually
representative, she has represented
becoming the technology that some have
UN Global Youth at the United
already announced as the new major
Nations and has been involved in
digital revolution from the Internet.
Human Rights activities for more
As
AFI
at
United
(ECOSOC)
than 5 years. Recently she also
References
headed a delegation as AFI (ECOSOC)
Vilner. (2018). South Korea Is Cementing Its Place As A Global Blockchain Leader. What is Blockchain Technology? A Step-byStep Guide For Beginners. (2018).
representative
at
the
European
Parliament for European Youth Event 2018. Immensely passionate about youth issues Smriti also co-chaired the Right to Youth Development Summit held in 2013 and 2014 at UN in Geneva. She has been involved and is
Page 33 of 34
working on the development of the Human Rights Council at the Palais des Nations. In years 2015 and 2016, she co-organized International Youth Summits at UN in Geneva, attracting participation
of
delegates
from
several countries. Smriti’s endeavors focus on the areas of importance to young people in the context of development. Bringing youth issues to the forefront of United Nations, specializing development,
in
business
employment,
and
slavery & trafficking. Smriti is an alumnus of Grenoble School of Management. An Engineer in Biotechnology, she is also a qualified
Management
Consultant
with an extensive work experience of more than nine years in IT and Consulting. She excels in Product Management and Strategy in IT. Currently based in Nice, she works as a Business Project Manager in Travel Technology. She is a trained Indian Dancer who enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures. Her motto in life
is
–
To
create
growth
opportunities for all.
Page 34 of 34
AFI CHANGEMAKERS AND UNCTAD YOUTH SUMMIT Report to the UNITED NATIONS ON
TECHNOLOGY
ISBN: 978-0-9990239-5-2 © Ariel Foundation International, December 2018