“Power Without Conscience? AI and the Leadership Test” — UN General Assembly 2025

04.09.2025

The year 2025 is witnessing AI systems reaching unprecedented levels of influence, from shaping global elections and public discourse to redefining corporate decision-making and employee monitoring. 

Despite the rapid proliferation of generative AI and autonomous systems, ethical frameworks and accountability mechanisms remain patchy, fragmented, or absent.

A growing leadership vacuum now poses a risk: power without conscience. 

On September 26, during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week 2025, we will host an event bringing together business leaders, innovators, and policymakers to address key questions:

  • Who is accountable for  AI’s impact?
  • How can companies innovate responsibly?
  • What safeguards are needed to keep AI ethical without human oversight?

Partners of the event:  EPAM, SPP Development, Epicentr K.

 26 September, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (EDT)

UN Global Compact Hub, 101 Park Ave, New York

Key discussion topics:

  • How companies can drive innovation responsibly.
  • Real risks of AI, including disinformation, biased algorithms, and human rights violations.
  • Emerging standards for responsible AI, such as transparency and voluntary codes of conduct.
  • How SMEs can adopt AI with limited resources.
  • The role of CEOs, executives, and investors in mitigating AI risks.
  • How large corporations and governments can create accessible tools and standards for businesses.

 

Speakers:

 

Moderator:

Tetiana Sakharuk, Executive Director of the UNGC Ukraine and Chair of the Regional Network Council for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the UN Global Compact

List of Speakers:

 

  • Alex Chudner, Chief Sustainability Officer, EPAM Systems
  • Tijana Koprivica, Chief Sustainability Officer, Delta Holding
  • Stjepan Orešković, CEO, Bosqar Invest
  • Nikoloz Kobakhidze, Founder and CEO, The Crossroads
  • Giorgi Khabashvili, Chairperson, Retail Association of Georgia


AGENDA

11:30 – 11:35 OPENING REMARKS

 

11:35 – 12:10 Round 1: “Ethics Under Pressure: When AI Collides with Human Rights”


Ethical dilemmas of AI – misinformation, surveillance, algorithmic bias, and systemic human rights risks. Exploring the responsibilities of CEOs, boards, and policymakers when innovation collides with accountability.

 

12:10 – 12:50 Round 2: “From Principles to Practice: Building Responsible AI Governance”


The focus is on practical solutions for responsible AI use, including:

  • Human Rights Due Diligence in AI: concrete steps to assess technology’s impact on human rights and mitigate risks;
  • Voluntary codes of conduct: can they serve as an effective tool for business self-regulation?
  • Regulatory trends: an overview of key legislative changes and emerging international standards;
  • Leadership grounded in inclusivity and accountability: how senior executives can embed responsible practices when implementing AI.

 

12:50 – 13:00 CLOSING & NEXT STEPS

 

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