On 3 March 2026, the second edition of the training course “Artificial intelligence and anti-discrimination including gender equality” was launched in Lisbon. The course includes a three-month online component alongside a series of training events. This interactive training will equip key public officials and NGO representatives with tools and knowledge to identify, prevent, and address algorithmic discrimination.

The course is developed as part of the Technical Support joint project “Upholding equality and non-discrimination by Equality bodies regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public administrations”, co-funded by the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the European Commission and three European equality bodies: the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG, Portugal), the Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities (Unia, Belgium), and the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman (Finland).

Ana Martinho Fernandes, Director of Strategy and Planning Support Services at CIG, highlights the importance of this training course: “Artificial intelligence systems can reproduce and amplify existing inequalities, including those between women and men. It is necessary that public and private entities take steps to ensure safe and non-discriminatory use of AI by setting up responsible AI policies and practices and by acquiring necessary skills and knowledge, including through this training.”

Being the second edition, the series of trainings aim at training approximately 170 staff members from public authorities, independent regulators, equality bodies and civil society organisations in Portugal on the use of AI public sector, and on the impact it can have on equality, including gender equality. The course covers key concepts and actors, example cases, as well as European and national human rights and AI standards, including the Council of Europe Framework Convention on AI, human rights, democracy and the rule of law and the EU AI Act.