EIB Roundtable Explores Role of AI in Accountability

The EIB hosted a roundtable session at the IAIA conference discussing the role of AI in impact assessment, emphasizing ethical uses of technology and inclusivity. Experts highlighted AI as a complementary tool rather than a solution, stressing that while it can enhance accountability, careful oversight is needed to prevent misuse.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group Complaints Mechanism recently hosted a roundtable session at the 2025 International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) annual conference in Bologna, held on May 1st. This event saw over 70 participants from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs), academia, and the public sector converge to discuss the pivotal theme of ‘Impact Assessment in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.’ The collaboration also included counterparts from the Asian Development Bank and Inter-American Development Bank.

Leading the session, Vasco Amaral Cunha, Head of the EIB Group Complaints Mechanism, set the stage by underscoring this gathering as a chance to absorb insights from experts, enabling IAMs to exchange experiences and, crucially, explore collaborative efforts that harmonize tech advancements with human-centered values.

Samer Araabi from Accountability Counsel shared interesting insights on various technologies that can streamline project and complaints management. His discussion covered an array of tools, including large language models, satellite mapping, and AI-driven solutions. Meanwhile, Wee Meng Chuan from SIMC Singapore introduced an innovative mediation tool that leverages AI for dispute resolution, presenting a way to ensure accurate and secure information handling.

Both presenters emphasized that while these AI technologies hold great promise, they should be viewed as complementary tools rather than standalone solutions. In a further dive into AI’s role, Ildiko Almasi Simsic from E&S Solutions provided an overview of her own AI applications focused on enhancing environmental and social performance.

Throughout the session, participants engaged in active discussions on strategies to ensure that the advantages of AI extend to the developing world, stressing the importance of inclusivity while trying to avoid perpetuating biases. They tackled issues like the unequal power dynamics that exist between stakeholders, particularly in communities relying on oral traditions or lacking digital access.

A collective sentiment emerged: AI could significantly boost accountability by simplifying intricate processes, enhancing data management, and facilitating more effective monitoring. However, the conversation also brought forward pressing ethical implications regarding the training data behind AI applications, underscoring the necessity of human oversight to mitigate risks of misinformation and misuse. Moreover, there was a clear call for extensive training on various AI tools to ensure users are adequately equipped to harness these technologies safely and effectively.

At the end of the session, Andrea Repetto Vargas, the Director of the Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism of the IDB Group, wrapped things up, summarizing the crucial takeaways from the discussions and presentations, rounding off a productive engagement focused on marrying technology with accountability and ethics in the modern age.

This conference highlighted the urgent need for balancing technological advancements with human values, emphasizing that AI can enhance accountability but isn’t a panacea. Ethical concerns and inclusivity challenges were featured prominently, reminding participants that while technology can act as an aid, it requires careful management and human oversight. Training and comprehensive discussions will be pivotal for implementing effective solutions in the future.

Original Source: europeansting.com