Driving Inclusive Innovation: GDI Hub Co-Hosts Global Dialogue on AI and Communication at the UN’s Civil Society Day
The Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) was proud to co-host “A Look Ahead: AI and Innovative Inclusive Communication” yesterday alongside the UK Mission to the United Nations and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Held during the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (COSP18), the event convened global leaders, innovators, and advocates to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in advancing inclusive communication, particularly for Deaf and disabled communities.
Central to the discussion was the role of AI in developing assistive technologies (AT) that ensure no one is left behind. The event spotlighted how initiatives supported through the UK government’s AT2030 programme, delivered by GDI Hub, are pioneering inclusive tools that are reshaping communication across sign language access, impaired speech recognition, and communication restoration.
As a timely example of this, during the session, it was announced that Kenyan AT start-up Signvrse, has been selected to join the prestigious Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI programme. This milestone will see Signvrse scale its flagship platform, Terp 360, which converts text and speech into African Sign Languages via 3D avatars. GDI Hub is proud to have supported Signvrse through our Innovate Now accelerator, and we look forward to continuing this journey of impact together.
Explore Elly Savatia's, CEO of Signvrse, virtual address at COSP18.
We also extend special thanks to Minister Malhotra, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities, for her opening remarks and commitment to advancing equitable digital futures. GDI Hub’s CEO, Iain McKinnon, followed by highlighting how AI is rapidly emerging as a pivotal component within the AT2030 programme, from supporting global innovators to establishing the Centre for Digital Language Inclusion, which seeks to develop inclusive solutions for people with communication difficulties in non-English setting.
Additionally, Sara Basson, Accessibility Lead at Google for emerging markets, discussed how AI can serve as a bridge, not a barrier, for disability inclusion, showcasing the role of Google Relate Project and affirming Google.org’s support for the Centre for Digital Language Inclusion.
Next, Atif Sheikh, CEO of STEP Pakistan, spoke powerfully about the unmet need for innovative inclusive communication in low- and middle-income countries, sharing insights from GDI Hub’s collaboration in Pakistan and calling for greater international prioritisation.
Ahmed Mudawi, Deaf consultant, translator, and TV presenter, offered a compelling reflection on the lived experience of AI in the UK context. He underscored the need to centre Deaf perspectives in technology design and called on the public and private sectors to co-create solutions that authentically reflect the needs of people with disabilities.
With closing remarks from Kemi Williams, Deputy Director at FCDO, the session concluded with a renewed call for global collaboration. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, we must all commit to ensuring its development is responsible, equitable, and conducted with the full participation of the communities it aims to serve.
The discussions reaffirmed that inclusive innovation is not only possible, it’s already happening. We look forward to translating these ideas into action and shaping a future where communication is truly accessible to all.
For further information about our COSP events and schedule, please visit this link.