The peer-learning network will support investors in driving responsible governance and guardrails for safe application of AI technologies.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (July 9, 2025) – The Intentional Endowments Network has launched the Responsible Tech & AI Initiative for endowments, foundations, and financial service firms as a key aspect of its work in 2025. This work, supported by Omidyar Network, will engage institutional allocators, managers, and subject matter experts to drive a more ethical and transparent tech ecosystem.
The initiative will build on previous and existing work in the responsible tech sector, centering experts’ work on proper governance, integrating climate risks into investment decisions, and engaging with managers on the climate, governance, and human capital risks associated with their technology & AI investments. The Intentional Endowments Network began broaching this subject during its June Virtual Forum, where experts across disciplines presented on ways asset owners can shape ethical innovation.
While AI holds tremendous promise to drive productivity, efficiency, and innovation, it also represents material risks to society and investors. AI can drive or exacerbate problems related to a wide range of issues, including energy and water use, climate change, human rights, worker rights, mis/disinformation, political polarization, election manipulation, discrimination, gender and racial bias, privacy and personal data, deepfakes, and more. These issues can create broad systemic risks for investor portfolios, as well as company-specific risks including reputational risk, litigation risk, and regulatory risk.
“We’re excited to be integrating this critical subject into our workstreams in 2025,” said Georges Dyer, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Intentional Endowments Network. “We continue to hear from members that AI & responsible tech are at the top of the agenda for investment committees and at board meetings. We look forward to engaging with experts to build awareness of the key issues for endowment & foundation teams as well as their service providers.”
The Responsible Tech & AI Initiative is supported by Omidyar Network, a philanthropic organization that invests in and collaborates with some of the world’s brightest visionaries and ventures to guide our digital future toward the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Under the leadership of CEO Mike Kubzansky, Omidyar Network has shown leadership in generative AI governance, the future of workers and jobs, and the concentration of power in tech markets.
“Generative AI and other digital technologies are having profound impacts on corporate performance, markets, and institutional investors’ portfolios,” said Chris Jurgens, senior director at Omidyar Network. “Addressing the impacts of digital technologies on companies, their stakeholders and the planet is a critical next frontier in responsible investing, and we are excited to be partnering with IEN and its members on ways investors can learn and take action.”
About The Intentional Endowments Network
The Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) supports higher education institutions to adopt investment strategies that create an equitable, low-carbon, and regenerative economy. IEN connects endowments, asset managers, investment consultants, nonprofit partners, and individuals to advance the field of mission-aligned, sustainable investing. IEN is housed at the Crane Institute of Sustainability (“Crane”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more at www.intentionalendowments.org
About Omidyar Network
Omidyar Network is a philanthropic organization with a mission to bend the arc of the digital revolution towards shared power, prosperity, and possibility. We envision a world where our shared humanity steers our digital future. So far, we have committed more than $1.94 billion to initiatives that share our vision.
Media Contact
Georges Dyer, Co-founder & Executive Director, Intentional Endowments Network
[email protected]
Alexis Krieg, Director, Omidyar Network
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