Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, recently travelled to San Francisco and the Silicon Valley. During his first official visit, Mr. Türk engaged in a series of meetings with high-level representatives of the tech industry as well as investors, always highlighting the vital importance of human rights in the digital sphere, especially when it comes to new technology such as Artificial Intelligence.

Open Austria co-hosted a roundtable discussion that led to a fruitful exchange, bringing together Commissioner Türk and the Diplomatic Corps of San Francisco. This gathering provided an opportunity to discuss pressing issues related to technology and human rights, highlighting the importance of cooperation between governments, civil society and international organizations in addressing these challenges.

At the Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice, Commissioner Türk emphasized the necessity of adhering to the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). He stressed the vital need to align technological advancements with ethical frameworks, ensuring that innovation remains in harmony with human rights standards.

Commissioner Türk further underscored the significance of democracy in the digital age during his address at the EU Office in San Francisco. Highlighting the pivotal role of the internet and social media in democratic processes, especially amidst the monumental 2024 election year, Türk's talk centered on collaborative efforts between the EU and the UN to bolster democracy online.

Additionally, Türk joined an important event hosted by the UC Berkeley Human Rights Center, commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Human Rights Center, UC Berkeley School of Law. This occasion marked the unveiling of the Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations, a groundbreaking initiative in leveraging technology to advance human rights protection and accountability.

Commissioner Türk's visit served as a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of integrating human rights considerations into technological advancements and promoting democratic values in the digital age.

Photos: Austrian Consulate San Francisco