UN report on AI to launch at global conference in Bradford
A major new United Nations report calling for artificial intelligence (AI) to be used to support people, not take their place, will be launched at a global conference hosted by the University of Bradford.
The Human Development Report 2025, produced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will be a key focus of the annual Human Development and Capability Association (HDCA) conference, themed ‘Culture, Peace and Capabilities’, held at the University from 1 to 4 September.
AI can improve lives
The UN report highlights how AI, if used wisely, can improve people’s lives. It urges governments to make choices that give people more opportunities and reduce inequality. The report stresses the importance of focusing on human needs and values, not just technology. With the right policies, AI can support better education, healthcare and job opportunities, the report adds.
Professor Prathivadi Anand, Professor of Public Policy and Sustainable Development at the University of Bradford and conference organiser, said: “Even as the University and the City of Bradford celebrate the year of being the UK City of Culture, the themes of the conference, Culture, Peace and Capabilities, resonate with the ethos of the University.
“We are excited to be welcoming this global community of scholars to our University.”
A United Nations report calling for artificial intelligence (AI) to be used to support people, not take their place, will be launched at the conference. Images credit: University of Bradford
What is the HDCA conference?
The HDCA conference, previously held in New York, Buenos Aires and Tokyo, brings together researchers, policymakers and practitioners from around the world who are interested in human development and social justice. It was founded in 2004 by Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Amartya Sen and philosopher Professor Martha Nussbaum.
Conference speakers
Keynote speakers will explore different aspects of inequality and how to create fairer societies.
Professor Kunal Sen, Director of the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), will speak about whether inequality is an inevitable consequence of economic growth and will argue this is not necessarily the case but would require deliberate inclusive growth policies.
‘Inherited inequality’, how people’s life chances are shaped by the family or background they are born into, by Professor Francisco Ferreira from the London School of Economics, who will suggest ways to make public policies fairer.
Professor Laura Valentini, from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, discusses ‘personal sovereignty’, where people should have control over what happens to them, such as who can touch them or take their belongings.
Professor Prathivadi Anand, Professor of Public Policy and Sustainable Development and conference organiser. Images credit: University of Bradford
Professor Lewis Gordon, from the University of Connecticut, will talk on his book, ‘Freedom, justice and decolonisation’, critically exploring these three concepts and their importance along with dignity and health for human flourishing.
Heriberto Tapia, Research & Strategic Partnership Advisor at Human Development Report Office, UNDP and event keynote speaker, said: “I look forward to participating in the Annual HDCA Conference in Bradford, where experts from around the world will reflect on what development means for people in times of profound change, including the increasing role of AI in our lives.”
Other highlights
The conference will showcase the success of Born in Bradford, a major health study that followed more than 13,000 pregnancies in the city. The model has now been expanded to other UK cities through the BaBi (Born and Bred in) network.
A musical performance on peace and freedom by artists Supriya Nagarajan and Duncan Chapman will premiere at the event, alongside panel discussions on the conference’s main themes.
Hosting the HDCA conference and launching the UN Human Development Report 2025 directly supports the University of Bradford’s strategic priorities, particularly ‘Grow our Reputation for Research and Knowledge Mobilisation’ and ‘Students First.’ By engaging with global thought leaders on AI, inequality, and human development, the University reinforces its mission to drive sustainable social and economic development.
The event also showcases impactful local research, like Born in Bradford, and reflects the institution’s commitment to inclusive learning and transformative experiences.
Professor Shirley Congdon, University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor, middle of front row, is joined by University staff members to sign the contract to stage the Human Development and Capability Association conference on campus in September. Images credit: University of Bradford