Excellencies,
Distinguished panelists,
Colleagues,

It is an honor for Albania to be one of the co organizers   to this important discussion.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in governance, justice systems, and public services, we are confronted with a fundamental question: will technology advance equality, or will it deepen existing inequalities?

AI systems are often perceived as neutral and objective. Yet in reality, they reflect the data, structures, and assumptions on which they are built. When those foundations are shaped by historical inequalities, discrimination risks being not only replicated but scaled.

For women and girls, this presents serious implications. And for those facing intersecting forms of discrimination, particularly women and girls from communities discriminated against on work and descent—the risks are even more profound.

We are already seeing how algorithmic tools can influence decisions on access to welfare, policing practices, employment opportunities, and even judicial outcomes. Without adequate safeguards, these systems may disproportionately flag certain communities as “high-risk,” restrict access to services, or deprioritize cases of violence—thereby reinforcing patterns of exclusion that already exist offline.

In this context, the digital transformation of justice and governance must be approached with caution, responsibility, and a clear human rights framework.

Albania firmly believes that technological innovation must go hand in hand with the protection of fundamental rights. AI should serve as a tool for inclusion—not a mechanism that entrenches inequality.

This requires action on several fronts.

First, transparency and accountability must be at the core of AI systems. Decisions that affect people’s rights and opportunities cannot be made through opaque processes. Individuals must be able to understand how decisions are made and have access to effective remedies when harm occurs.

Second, data integrity and fairness are essential. Biased data leads to biased outcomes. Efforts must be made to ensure that datasets are representative and that systems are regularly assessed for discriminatory impacts, including through independent oversight.

Third, a gender-responsive and intersectional approach is critical. Policies on AI governance must explicitly consider how different forms of discrimination intersect and compound one another. Without this lens, the most vulnerable risk being left further behind.

Fourth, we must ensure meaningful participation. The voices and lived experiences of women and girls, particularly from marginalized and underrepresented communities, must inform the design, deployment, and evaluation of AI systems.

At the same time, we should not overlook the positive potential of AI.

When designed responsibly, AI can help expand access to legal information, support victims of violence through secure digital tools, and improve the efficiency and responsiveness of justice systems. It can contribute to closing gaps, if it is guided by the right principles.

In Albania, as we advance our broader justice reforms in the context of our European Union integration process, we recognize that digitalization must strengthen, not weaken, public trust in institutions. The legitimacy of both justice systems and emerging technologies depends on their fairness, inclusiveness, and accountability.

This is why international cooperation is essential.

The challenges we are discussing today do not stop at national borders. Global standards, shared principles, and multilateral dialogue are necessary to ensure that AI governance evolves in a way that protects rights and promotes equality worldwide.

In this regard, we welcome the forthcoming report of the Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls. It comes at a critical moment and will provide valuable guidance for Member States as we navigate these complex issues.

In closing, let me underline a simple but important point:

Technology is a powerful tool, but it is not inherently just. Justice depends on the choices we make in how we design systems, how we regulate them, and whose voices we choose to include.

Let us ensure that artificial intelligence works for all women and girls, without exception.

Thank you.