AI’s role in youth priorities, gender equality, and civic engagement: Insights from Young Elected Politicians

On November 21, 2024, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted the opinion Challenges and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector: Defining the Role of Regional and Local Authorities, drafted by Alberto Cirio (IT/EPP), head of the Italian delegation at the CoR and President of the Piedmont Region. Cirio emphasised that "Artificial Intelligence should enhance public services and inclusive digital strategies," highlighting its potential for transformative impact.

This conversation advanced further during the 15th edition of EuroPCom, held on December 5, 2024. The event brought together regional and local leaders to discuss AI's implications for public governance, focusing on the thematic forum, "Regions and Cities Leading the AI Transition - Smart Strategies to Enhance Public Engagement". The forum served as a dynamic platform for sharing strategies, challenges, and innovative approaches.

AI and civic engagement

Members of the Young Elected Politicians (YEP) Programme presented examples of how AI is being leveraged to foster civic engagement and transparency at the local level.

Dialekti Athina (Diana) Voutyrakou (EL/PES), a City Councillor in Athens, presented the "Open Council" initiative, which uses AI to transcribe, summarize, and create podcasts from council meetings. These tools enhance accessibility for all citizens, including non-native speakers and individuals with disabilities. Voutyrakou also showcased Athens's first municipal hackathon, where young participants proposed AI-driven solutions to urban challenges, further advancing the city's transformation into a smart city.

Marina Graells Adell (ES/EA), Mayor of Sant Martí Sesgueioles, detailed how her municipality uses AI to automate routine tasks, optimize energy use in public buildings, and improve local transportation. She envisions AI's potential to support farmers and foster sustainable development in small municipalities.

Marek Hudák (SK/EPP), City Councillor in Bardejov, emphasized the importance of integrating AI tools into local governance to address infrastructure challenges and enhance public communication. By involving citizens in co-creating policies, Hudák framed AI as a catalyst for innovation.

Reflecting on AI's potential, Ms. Voutyrakou reiterated its role in addressing youth priorities such as justice, equity, and access to essential services. In an interview for the YEP Newsletter, Voutyrakou emphasized the value of using AI to identify social inequalities and drive targeted interventions, amplifying youth voices in decision-making processes.

Ethical AI, gender biases, and digital inclusion

Ms. Voutyrakou, wearing a double hat as both a City Councillor and a PhD candidate in AI and Robotics, underscored the ethical challenges posed by AI from the perspective of her doctoral research, which focuses on unconscious biases embedded in datasets and algorithms. "Explainable and transparent AI is crucial," she stated, advocating for systems that are both understandable and accountable.

During her intervention at EuroPCom, she stressed that the lack of diversity in AI development perpetuates gender biases, emphasizing the need for targeted education and training programmes to bridge this gap. "AI tools are inherently biased due to the datasets used and the lack of diversity in development teams; [...] the representation of women in STEM fields remains disproportionately low", she added. Voutyrakou urged local governments to lead efforts in establishing algorithmic accountability, conducting bias assessments, and implementing transparent data governance frameworks. These measures, she argues, will ensure that AI development and applications align with inclusive values, preventing gender biases in technology.​

Similarly, Ms. Graells Adell illustrated AI's potential to ensure equitable access to services, while Mr. Hudák underlined the importance of citizen participation in shaping policies that reflect community needs.

Looking Ahead

As Europe prepares for the AI transition, inclusivity and transparency must remain central to technological advancements. This year's EuroPCom reminded regional and local leaders of the importance of prioritizing equity while embracing smart strategies to harness AI's potential.

Missed the sessions or want to revisit key insights? Panoramic AI, a new civic tech solution, offers a comprehensive wrap-up, session highlights, and personalised answers to your questions. Explore this year's takeaways in an entirely new way and discover how AI can help empower communities and foster equity in the digital era.

This news item was written in framework of the CoR Young Elected Politician Programme.

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