OFFICIAL STATEMENT

We are disappointed by the cancellation of RightsCon and the massive disruption to months of planning by many smaller community-based organizations like ours. We support Access Now and share their commitment to universal human and digital rights for all. We will not let this incident weaken our resolve to ensure equitable representation from Global Majority countries in critical AI discourse and decisions. 

We live in times of great political uncertainty and economic precarity. We are extremely concerned about the growing technological risks to human dignity and agency. We believe this interruption is an opportunity to reflect, regroup as a global digital rights community, and stand together as a strong united front. Our resilience and steadfastness are our greatest strengths as we represent our communities on the global stage.  

We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Access Now, other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and governments across Africa to build a safe and secure AI future that belongs to all of us.  

In solidarity, 

WAIE+ Community 

Join Women in AI Ethics™ for RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia!

Join WAIE+ at RightsCon in Lusaka, Zambia from May5-8, 2026, for our satellite event on ‘Reclaiming AI Safety & Security for the People.’ A vast majority of influential AI Safety initiatives are focused on the future existential risks of AI.

What’s missing from this discourse are the risks from AI to the most vulnerable people in our society TODAY and the communities impacted by the growing risks of AI technologies. Grok AI is the latest example of how popular platforms and their powerful owners monetize humiliation and digital violence against women, girls, and even children.

Join us as we reclaim the AI safety space to discuss the risks & threats that we face TODAY and share strategies to keep our communities safe from harms in the AI age.

Paid Substack subscribers and members can get 50% off the standard registration price (check your inbox).

We hope to see you at our convening at this critical point in our history.