ILO Advocates Human-Centered AI at Paris Summit

Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General, International Labour Organization (ILO), underscored the importance of a human-centered approach to artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, emphasizing both its potential advantages and challenges at the AI Action Summit in Paris.

According to ILO data, Houngbo indicated that AI is expected to have a net positive impact on employment. While some jobs may be displaced, he suggested that AI could create more job opportunities than it eliminates. However, concerns remain about the quality of these new roles and their potential to exacerbate existing inequalities in the labor market.

He also highlighted the disproportionate impact of automation on women, which could potentially widen the gender pay gap. "While the presence of women in technology fields is growing, there are challenges, particularly in AI, where women hold few leadership roles. It’s essential to recognize the significant contributions that women can make to this sector”, stated Gustavo Barcia, CEO, Needed, during an interview with MBN.

Houngbo called on all stakeholders to ensure that AI-driven job creation leads to secure and stable employment opportunities. He further stressed the importance of investing in skill development, particularly in upskilling and reskilling efforts, to prepare the workforce for the changing job landscape. A study by LinkedIn Learning has highlighted that personalized training remains a top global priority, especially as new technologies increase the demand for rapid employee upskilling and reskilling, as reported by MBN.

“We must ensure that AI benefits everyone by investing more in upskilling and reskilling, including public sector involvement, to close the digital divide,” said Houngbo.

He also emphasized the critical role of social dialogue, urging collaboration between workers, employers, and governments to effectively address the complexities surrounding AI in the workforce. According to Houngbo, only through such collaboration can the challenges posed by AI and employment be effectively managed.

The ILO is actively examining the impact of AI on work through initiatives like the newly launched ILO Observatory on Artificial Intelligence and Work in the Digital Economy. This initiative aims to provide data-driven insights into the future of work in the digital economy and support governments and social partners in navigating the transformation AI brings to the labor market.