The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services will host its 2026 human rights conference on April 23 at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, bringing together leaders across government, law, academia, veterans’ services and the technology sector.
The conference, Honor in the Age of Algorithms, will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping both the delivery of services and the lived experiences of veterans and service members. Organizers say the event will focus on ensuring that technological innovation does not outpace core values such as fairness, dignity and accountability.
The one-day gathering will run from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, 1638 Bedford Ave. and is expected to draw participants from multiple disciplines to explore the intersection of technology and human rights.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming how institutions serve All Who Served – but innovation must never come at the expense of dignity, fairness or humanity,” said New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen. “Our conference is about ensuring that as systems grow more advanced, our values remain unwavering. We are committed to building a future where technology enhances, not diminishes, the care, respect, support and justice that All Who Served have earned.”
Discussions will address a range of issues, including algorithmic bias, digital surveillance, access to justice and the ethical dimensions of modern warfare. Officials say the goal is to foster dialogue that connects policy, practice and innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to transparency and equity.
“As technology evolves, so too must our responsibility to safeguard those we serve,” said DVS Executive Deputy Commissioner Joel Evans. “This conference creates space for meaningful dialogue across disciplines, ensuring that policy, practice and innovation move forward together, guided by accountability, transparency, and a shared commitment to those who have worn the uniform.”
Participants will engage in conversations that weigh both the risks and opportunities tied to artificial intelligence in public service delivery, with an emphasis on developing solutions that center human rights.
Register here.
