25 April 2023, Hiroshima, Japan - Olga Devic is a translator who is passionate about the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and human rights. She joined a team of young women to translate a course on AI and human rights into Serbian. The course “Defending Human Rights in the Age of Artificial Intelligence“ was created by UNITAR and UNESCO in English with original translations in French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. Recently, with the support of the SALTO Participation & Information Resource Centre (SALTO PI), youth translators have volunteered to bring the course into 20 additional languages.

Olga’s interest in AI and human rights began during her studies when she explored the two topics in her thesis. She was drawn to the ability to take control over her rights in the digital space and the impact of data usage on those rights. She believes that AI can be used to define and protect our rights.

When she heard through a friend who was a developer of the course about the opportunity to translate it into Serbian, she was immediately interested. She found the topics interesting to learn and talk about. “When I was translating, I was also learning”, Olga said.

Working on an all-female team of translators, she was inspired and motivated, especially given the lack of gender representation in spaces engaging with AI. 

When it comes to AI and IT in general, we’re lacking girls’ and female perspectives.

Olga also noted that the course helped her to become more aware of AI applications and their impact on her everyday life. For example, she had not previously paid attention to the use of cookies and how they affect privacy.

The team found it challenging to translate technical words that did not have direct Serbian translations. Whenever possible, they tried to find Serbian alternatives instead of using English, relying on each other to propose new words. 

I tried to think a lot about how to make it sound good, to have a sense, to have meaning. Overall, it was an amazing experience. I was learning through that process.

Olga’s work on translating the AI and human rights course into Serbian is just one example of her dedication to educating others and empowering girls and women in AI. Her efforts remind us that we all have a role to play in shaping the future of AI and that by working together and sharing knowledge, we can create a world where technology serves humanity.

Interview conducted by UNESCO

Article written by UNITAR