Welcome to the very first episode of Ctrl.Alt.thrive where technology meets purpose and impact. I’m your host, Navneet Kaur, and I’m thrilled to launch this newly rebranded podcast, now aligned with a powerful new mission: promoting ethical, inclusive technology through our collaboration with the UNESCO Women for Ethical AI Network – South Asian Chapter.

Ctrl.Alt.thrive is more than a new name—it’s a new direction. Together, we’ll explore how technology can truly thrivewhen it’s built ethically, inclusively, and with every voice in mind.

In this episode, I’m joined by two trailblazers leading the charge in ethical AI and gender equity across South Asia:

Eunsong Kim, Chief of the Social and Human Sciences Sector at UNESCO’s South Asia Regional Office, where she champions inclusive AI, youth empowerment, and gender-transformative governance across six countries.
Dr. Bhavani Rao R, Dean of the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, and Chair of the South Asian Chapter of the Women for Ethical AI Network.

Together, we unpack critical questions:

What does "ethics in AI" really mean on the ground?
How do we move beyond gender representation to real decision-making power in tech?
What are the urgent actions needed to close the AI gender gap across South Asia?
The mission and impact of the Women for Ethical AI Network in South Asia.
How can immersive technologies like AI and VR transform women’s lives and communities?
Turning global AI ethics frameworks into local, actionable policies.
And why involving men and boys in this journey is not optional but essential.
What is the UNESCO Women for Ethical AI Network South Asian Chapter?

We also explore the challenges and opportunities in translating UNESCO’s Global Recommendations on the Ethics of AI into culturally relevant, actionable strategies and what a truly inclusive AI ecosystem might look like by 2028, as the industry’s value surges past $1 trillion.

Whether you’re a student, policymaker, tech leader, or simply passionate about responsible innovation, this episode offers insight and inspiration and a clear call to action for every one of us.

Tune in and discover how we can make AI not only smarter, but fairer and more inclusive for all.

🎙️ Brought to you by TechThrive, in collaboration with UNESCO - Women for Ethical AI Network South Asian Chapter.

UNESCO ethical AI recommendations - ⁠https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381137⁠

(W4EAI) South Asian Chapter - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-for-ethical-ai-w4eai-south-asian-chapter/posts/?feedView=all⁠

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Connect with Navneet

Linkedin : ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneet-kaur-80109b227/⁠⁠

Instagram : ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nav_neeetkaur/⁠