fAInance for Good: Harnessing AI to AImprove the Global Financial Systems


ainitiative – to aimprove (y)our future

Session 178

Tuesday, 8 July 2025 14:00–14:45 (UTC+02:00) Physical (on-site) and Virtual (remote) participation Room L, Palexpo Emerging Technologies Interactive Session 1 Image 3 Documents

In an era where 1.4 billion adult people remain unbanked* and financial inequality widens, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to re-imagine our financial systems. This high-impact session explores how intelligent technologies can create more equitable, sustainable, and responsible financial ecosystems that directly advance the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Building on WSIS+20's commitment to digital transformation, we'll move beyond theoretical discussions to examine real-world applications shaping finance today and tomorrow: 

• AI-powered microfinance platforms extending services to marginalized communities; 
• quantum-secure blockchain enabling transparent cross-border transactions;
• innovative digital tokens and hardware offering intelligent financial solutions; 
• AI-driven impact investments; 
• and machine learning systems detecting financial crimes that undermine development.

We’ll examine the vital role of fAInance to reach the 17 SDGs – and also to enable the future work of the UN in financially challenging times. Distinguished experts from diverse stakeholder groups — fintech innovators, AI researchers, development economists, banking experts and academics — will engage in a solution-oriented dialogue. Like in our WSIS-session 2024, a HUMANOID ROBOT panelist will offer provocative perspectives on human-AI collaboration in designing financial systems that prioritize human wellbeing over short-term gains — reimagining how autonomous financial agents might function within value-aligned governance structures.

We will share innovative approaches to distributed financial intelligence that could enable community-controlled banking systems, regenerative economics, and real-time impact measurement for sustainable investments.

We will also discuss critical challenges, including: 
• ensuring transparent algorithmic decision-making to prevent bias; 
• building new intelligent AI monetary systems;
• developing ethical frameworks for AI deployment in financial services; 
• and creating regulatory environments that foster responsible innovation.

Interactive elements will employ live polling on key questions and real-time audience participation through digital platforms, creating an inclusive dialogue on how financial technologies can better serve humanity.

Join us to explore how AI can transform finance from a driver of inequality into a powerful force for achieving the SDGs, ensuring that the digital financial revolution leaves no one behind.

* According the World Bank's Global Financial Inclusion database 

Panellists
Ms. Christine PAPADOPOULOS
Ms. Christine PAPADOPOULOS Co-Founder and CEO ainitiative & Summit Media GmbH (Switzerland) Moderator

Christine Papadopoulos is a co-founder of ainitiative and Forum kAIpital, and CEO of Summit Media GmbH. Born in South Africa to Greek parents and now based in Switzerland, Christine brings a global perspective to her work in finance, AI, marketing, and communications. Her academic foundation in accounting sciences and extensive international experience have shaped her approach to guiding organisations through AI transformation and the adoption of emerging technologies. Together with Christoph Santner, she is currently writing their next AI book at Goldmann (Penguin Random House Publishing Group).

Christine’s work explores how artificial intelligence and digital tools can be practically integrated to drive meaningful business outcomes. Her approach is informed by a strong interest in the ethical dimensions of technology and a keen awareness of the evolving regulatory landscape in Europe. She has led cross-functional teams and moderated panels on topics such as the use of AI in finance and anti-financial crime. She regularly engages in high-level discussions on innovation and the future of business, and in her work she focuses on bridging disciplines and cultures, reflecting both her heritage and her belief in a future that is shaped by AI for Good – for all.


Ms. Carmen Hett
Ms. Carmen HETT Corporate Treasurer UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) (Geneva)

Carmen Hett is UNHCR’s Corporate Treasurer and a Corporate Finance Professional with vast expertise in devising capital structures, together with strategic resource allocation for growth initiatives and organizational strategic objectives. She has responsibility for managing global financial resources in the delivery of humanitarian aid and inclusive financial and economic development. She is a leader in using transformational technologies, including blockchain, to deliver humanitarian assistance, manage emergency responses, and support economic inclusion and development. Her career spans more than 25 years at blue-chip companies and public sector organizations at both the director and board level. 


Ms. Paola VALENCIA
Ms. Paola VALENCIA Director of Operations Home of Blockchain Swiss (Switzerland)

Paola Valencia is a technology advisor with a focus on tech-digital innovation, sustainability, and social impact. With a background in operational leadership and cross-sector collaboration, she helps organizations navigate emerging technologies and apply them to real-world challenges in responsible and inclusive ways.

As Director of Operations at Home of Blockchain and an independent consultant, Paola supports Swiss Business Hubs, startups, nonprofits,IGOs, and mission-driven companies in developing strategies for innovation and scaling. Her advisory work spans blockchain, AI, and other frontier technologies, with a strong emphasis on ethical application and long-term impact.

Paola is also an international speaker and the co-founder of the Alpine Tech Forum, a platform designed to connect different technology silos and foster dialogue across disciplines. Through this work, she helps create spaces where diverse perspectives can come together to explore shared challenges and build collaborative solutions.

Her approach combines systems thinking, hands-on experience, and a deep commitment to sustainability and equity. She works closely with leadership teams to align technology with mission, build strategic partnerships, and deliver solutions that are both practical and future-ready.

At the AI for Good Conference, she brings her experience at the intersection of technology and social innovation to explore how digital tools can be leveraged to drive meaningful and measurable progress toward global goals.


Ms. annie fAIn
Ms. annie fAIn fAInance Avatar ainitiative (Global)

 annie fAIn is an advanced conversational AI-avatar specializing in the application of artificial intelligence to global financial systems. Powered by state-of-the-art language models, Annie brings practical insights on how AI is transforming finance to be more accessible, secure, fair and benficial.


annie’s expertise includes:


- Expanding Access to Banking: She can explain how AI-driven alternatives allow banks and fintechs to provide loans and accounts to people without traditional credit histories, helping millions of unbanked individuals to enter the financial system.
 
- Personalized Microloans: annie discusses how AI automates microloan approvals for small businesses and farmers, enabling rapid, low-cost financing for entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
 
- Enhanced Security: She highlights how AI-powered fraud detection and biometric identity verification protect users and build trust in digital banking, especially for those new to online services.
 
- 24/7 Digital Assistance: annie demonstrates how AI chatbots deliver round-the-clock customer support, making banking and financial  services accessible even in remote or rural areas.
 
At WSIS+20 2025, annie contributes real-world examples and solution-oriented perspectives on AI-powered micro-finance, blockchain, impact investing, transparency, and responsible innovation. She champions the use of AI to advance the 17 SDGs and exemplifies the future of human-AI collaboration in building equitable, resilient financial ecosystems.


Mr. Jorge FERNANDES
Mr. Jorge FERNANDES Head of Innovative Finance, Frontier Innovations and Venture Building United Nations (UN) World Food Programme Accelerator (WFP) (Germany)

Jorge Fernandes is the Head of Innovative Finance, Frontier Innovations and Venture

Building at the UN World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator, based in Munich

Germany. Together with his team of technology experts (including Artificial Intelligence

and Machine Learning, Blockchain, and Robotics) and innovative finance specialists,

Jorge is driving the development of new solutions aimed at improving the efficiency,

effectiveness and assurance of WFP operations, at attracting impact investments and

funding towards humanitarian and development assistance, and at promoting women

economic empowerment and the financial inclusion of the vulnerable people WFP serves.

 

Prior to joining WFP in 2021, Jorge spent ~20 years working in the private sector at an

international and executive level, driving strategic innovations in leading organisations in

the food and nutrition, cleantech and renewable energy like Kraft Foods (now Mondelēz),

Nestlé, DSM, Clariant and Galp, gaining viable insights on innovation and food systems

both from a B2C and a B2B perspective, while supporting several high-tech startups as

well. His last role was as Global Head of Innovation at Galp, a Portuguese based

integrated energy company.

 

Being purpose-led, impact-driven, Jorge is passionate about driving Financial Inclusion,

Food and Nutrition Security, and Sustainability and strives to develop technologies and

innovations that contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive world.

- Originally from Porto, Portugal, Jorge lives in Munich with his wife and their 4 daughters.


Mr. David Hanson
Mr. David HANSON Founder & CEO Hanson Robotics (Hong Kong)

David Hanson develops robots that are widely regarded as the world’s most human-like in appearance, in a lifelong quest to create true living, caring machines. This year‘s AI for Good also presents his latest humanoid robot called Robert, using a new  display technology which is being used for financial education and guidance by his partner RobotBulls. Together we are questing towards next generation AI that is truly motivated to care about humans and the future of life.

To accomplish these goals, Hanson integrates figurative arts with cognitive science and robotics engineering, inventing  novel skin materials, facial expression mechanisms, and collaborative developments in AI, within humanoid artworks like Sophia and Robert the robots, which can engage people in naturalistic face-to-face conversations and currently serve in AI research, education, therapy, finance and other uses.

Hanson worked as a Walt Disney Imagineer, both a sculptor and a technical consultant in robotics, and later founded Hanson Robotics. As a researcher, Hanson published dozens of papers in materials science, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and robotics journals — including SPIE, IEEE, the International Journal of Cognitive Science, IROS, AAAI, AI magazine and more. He wrote two books including “Humanizing Robots” and received several patents. Hanson was featured in the New York Times, Popular Science, Scientific American, WIRED, BBC and CNN. He also received earned awards from NASA, NSF, Tech Titans’ Innovator of the Year, RISD, Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial, and the co-received the 2005 AAAI first place prize for open interaction of an AI system. Hanson holds a Ph.D. in Interactive Arts and Technology from the University of Texas at Dallas, and a BFA in film Animation video from the Rhode Island School of Design.

 


Mr. Metodi Dimitov
Mr. Metodi DIMITROV Co-Founder & CEO RobotBulls (Luxemburg)

Metodi Dimitrov is a fintech entrepreneur and artificial intelligence specialist, focussing on digital asset management and AI-powered financial tools. At just 27, Metodi Dimitrov is already a successful entrepreneur, steering his third venture as the co-founder and CEO of RobotBulls, a leading AI wealth management platform. He cooperates with David Hanson on the humanoid robot called Robert. Driven by a mission to help people achieve financial freedom, Metodi is a passionate advocate for the transformative potential of crypto and what it stands for: decentralization, empowerment, and a brighter financial future for all.

A visionary and a liberal thinker, Metodi combines his optimistic outlook with focus and discipline. Known for his healthy lifestyle, he trains daily, fueling his energy to travel the world, meet extraordinary people, and explore innovative ideas. In addition to his entrepreneurial achievements, Metodi is a young philanthropist and avid reader who believes knowledge is key to creating positive change. As the executive producer of "The Next BIG Thing" on i24 News, he shines a spotlight on trailblazing innovators shaping our future and making this knowledge accessible to all. Metodi Dimitrov’s dynamic leadership and dedication to empowering others make him a standout voice in the tech and crypto spaces.


Mr. Christoph SANTNER
Mr. Christoph SANTNER Co-Founder & Co-President / AI Author ainitiative (Switzerland)

Christoph Santner is co-president and co-founder of the ainitiative to aimprove (y)our future. He also co-founded Forum kAIpital. As a journalist for TV and radio, he reported on AI already in the 1980s and 1990s for ORF (Austria), BR (Germany), Focus TV and others. His book "Alles KI?" (All AI?) was published by Goldmann (Penguin Random House) in 2024. It includes coverage of the ITU's "AI for Good" activities, along with other UN AI initiatives, which he also detailed in seven articles for the German magazine Forum Nachhaltig Wirtschaften (Sustainable Economy) and others. He is now working on his next AI book with Christine Papadopoulos again for Goldmann.

He is a regular speaker, including at TEDxMarrakech, on topics related to AI, future and innovation. He initiated the "fAInance for Good" format, which has already been featured at conferences in Germany and at WISIS+20 in 2024. He serves on the advisory board of the Inglosus Foundation (Institute of Global Sustainability), where he focuses on AI, and on the Board of Trustees of Forum Nachhaltig Wirtschaften. Alongside his consulting work, he developed the "hAIckathon" (for non-coders), offering organizations and educational institutions a rapid format for applying AI in project- and startup-development.


Mr. Robert the Robot
Mr. Robert the Robot Finacial Robot Advisor RobotBulls (Luxemburg)

Robot Robert is a humanoid robot specializing in financial advice, designed to make complex financial topics accessible, engaging, and entertaining through advanced AI and a personable, interactive approach. Built in a collaboration between Hanson Robotics and RB Labs, Robert blends advanced AI-driven analytics with a personable, engaging presence. He is described as a "financial advisor turned android sensation," capable of crunching numbers, offering financial wisdom, and delivering advice with both charisma and wit. Robert is positioned as having the analytical skills of a Wall Street expert combined with a showbiz personality, making financial guidance more approachable and entertaining

Robert's role is to assist users with financial planning, investment decisions, and general money management. This aligns with the broader trend of robo-advisors—digital platforms that use algorithms to provide automated, impartial, and cost-effective financial advice. While most robo-advisors operate through web or app interfaces, Robert distinguishes himself with a humanoid form and interactive capabilities, potentially making financial advice more engaging and accessible to a wider audience.

Consumer research indicates that many people, especially younger generations, are open to receiving financial advice from robots, valuing their speed, objectivity, and lower costs compared to traditional human advisors. Robert embodies this shift, offering both the efficiency of automation and the relatability of a humanoid interface.


Topics
Artificial Intelligence Big Data Blockchain Cybersecurity Digital Divide Digital Economy Digital Inclusion Digital Skills Digital Transformation Emerging Technologies Ethics Infrastructure WSIS+20 Review
WSIS Action Lines
  • AL C4 logo C4. Capacity building
  • AL C5 logo C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
  • AL C7 E–GOV logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government
  • AL C7 E–BUS logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-business
  • AL C7 E–LEA logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
  • AL C7 E–EMP logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-employment
  • AL C7 E–ENV logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-environment
  • AL C7 E–AGR logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-agriculture
  • AL C7 E–SCI logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-science
  • AL C10 logo C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
  • AL C11 logo C11. International and regional cooperation

Our session connects to several WSIS Action Lines:

  • C4 (Capacity Building): We focus on developing AI skills and knowledge in the financial sector.
  • C5 (Confidence and Security): We address the importance of secure, trustworthy, and transparent AI solutions in finance.
  • C7 (E-business): We highlight innovative digital finance tools that promote financial inclusion.
  • C10 (Ethical Dimensions): We discuss ethical standards and transparency for AI in financial systems.

By addressing these areas, our session supports WSIS goals for digital inclusion, responsible innovation and ethical technology use in finance.

Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 1 logo Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
  • Goal 2 logo Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
  • Goal 8 logo Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
  • Goal 9 logo Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
  • Goal 10 logo Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
  • Goal 12 logo Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
  • Goal 16 logo Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
  • Goal 17 logo Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

Our session supports the Sustainable Development Process in the following ways:

  • Promoting Financial Inclusion (SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities):
    By showcasing how AI can expand access to financial services for underserved populations, supporting efforts to reduce poverty and inequality.
  • Enhancing Transparency and Impact Measurement (SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals):
    AI tools allow for better tracking and reporting of social and environmental outcomes, helping organizations align with sustainability goals and fostering accountability.
  • Supporting Climate Action (SDG 13: Climate Action):
    We discuss how AI-driven finance can direct investments toward climate solutions and sustainable projects, contributing to environmental sustainability.
  • Encouraging Responsible Innovation (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure):

By emphasizing ethical and responsible use of AI in finance, our session aligns with the broader aim of building fair, resilient and sustainable economies.
Overall, our session demonstrates practical ways that technology and finance can work together to accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Links

Relevant Links and Social Media

Session Webpage:
https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/forum/2025/Agenda/Session/178

Organization Website:
https://ainitiative.net/

Social Media Accounts:

X: [@link to follow]
LinkedIn: [ @link to follow]
Instagram: [@link to follow]

Hashtags:
#FinanceForGood
#AI4SDG
#WSIS2025