On July 17th, the United Nations Office in Vienna inaugurated the AI for Developing Countries Forum under the theme “Fair AI for a Fair World.” This pioneering event convened experts, policymakers, and innovators worldwide to tackle the critical challenge of bridging digital divides and promoting inclusive AI development.
The forum commenced with a compelling opening address by Tianze Zhang, who stressed the urgent necessity of leveraging AI to achieve global equity. Following this, Andrea A. Jacobs announced the Third AI for Developing Countries Forum scheduled for 2025, reaffirming a sustained commitment to this essential discourse. Dr. Wendy O’Brien from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime then delivered an insightful presentation on the intersection of human rights and AI, emphasizing the ethical considerations crucial to technological progress.
Morning sessions featured a keynote by Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa from UNIDO, highlighting AI’s transformative potential in industrial development, particularly for emerging economies. Ambassador Magdi Ahmed Mofadal Elnour offered a critical perspective on AI’s impact on Less Developed Countries, initiating discussions on the opportunities and challenges these nations encounter in the AI era.
Throughout the day, a series of panel discussions examined vital topics such as AI for Inclusive and Sustainable Development, Data Sovereignty in AI, Democratizing AI in Emerging Economies, and AI Governance in the Global South. These sessions brought together a range of viewpoints, fostering robust debates on ensuring AI benefits all nations equitably.
The afternoon featured insightful presentations on Federated Data Infrastructures by Roland Fadrany and Enterprise Competitiveness in the AI Era by Daniel Ojdanic. These talks provided practical strategies for developing countries to harness AI while safeguarding their interests and nurturing local innovation.
The forum concluded with an engaging open discussion session, allowing participants to share their unique insights on AI in developing nations. This collaborative dialogue underscored the collective responsibility in shaping an AI future that bridges global divides rather than widening them.
As the first day drew to a close, it was evident that the event had successfully gathered diverse perspectives to address the complex challenges of AI development in the Global South. The discussions underscored the necessity for inclusive strategies, ethical governance, and international cooperation to ensure AI fosters global equity and sustainable development.
