The second day of the AI for Developing Countries Forum in Vienna, themed “AI Justice for All: Voices of Change,” featured a wide range of speakers and panel discussions, ending with the adoption of the pivotal AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration and impactful closing remarks.
Morning Session Highlights
The day started with an engaging presentation by Andrea A. Jacobs, Crown Counsel from the Ministry of Legal Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, titled “When AI Meets Island Time: Amplifying Developing Voices in Global AI Governance.” Jacobs emphasized the role of small island states and developing nations as key players in shaping ethical and inclusive AI systems, challenging the perception that AI innovation is exclusive to tech giants.
Philip Hackett from the Geneva International Dispute Resolution Institute then discussed AI’s potential to transform justice systems in developing countries, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges in resource-constrained environments.
A panel discussion on “Transforming Justice with AI: Balancing Opportunities and Challenges” brought together experts from legal and tech sectors to explore how AI can improve efficiency and accessibility in judicial systems while addressing issues of fairness, transparency, and ethical implementation.
Muhammad Zuhaili, Executive Chairman of the International Islamic Youth League Asia, presented on “Technology Should Serve Humanity: From Code to Compassion,” stressing the importance of incorporating human values and compassion into AI development.
Another panel discussion focused on “Integrating AI Design Principles into Digital Inclusion, Employment Transformation, and Legal Protection in Developing Countries,” exploring ethical AI implementation and its impact on various sectors.
The morning session concluded with Poncelet Ileleji, Chairman of Jokkolabs Banjul Association, discussing “AI Deficit: Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure and Education Challenges in Developing Countries,” highlighting the growing technological divide and its repercussions.
Afternoon Session Highlights
The afternoon kicked off with a panel discussion on “Digital Justice 2.0: How AI is Revolutionizing Legal Aid Systems in Developing Countries,” which explored strategies to use AI to bridge the justice gap and empower marginalized communities.
Xingweilin Ji from the AI for Developing Countries Forum presented “Voices from the Ground Up: How Developing Nations are Reimagining AI Governance Through Local Innovation,” showcasing grassroots initiatives that offer new perspectives on ethical AI deployment.
A panel on “Grassroots Innovations Shaping AI Governance – Elevating Diverse Perspectives from Developing Countries” featured experts from international organizations, legal firms, and impact-focused enterprises discussing community-driven approaches to AI governance.
Wisdom Addo, Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Peace Foundation, spoke on “From Grassroots to AI: Innovative Approaches to Peacebuilding in Developing Nations,” exploring AI’s potential in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
Anders Frantzen, Programme Officer at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), provided remarks on AI’s potential to address challenges within the UNODC’s scope, such as crime prevention and drug control in developing countries.
AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration: A Blueprint for Inclusive AI
Forum participants collaboratively developed the “AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration,” a comprehensive framework addressing key aspects of AI development and governance in developing countries. This declaration represents a collective commitment to ensuring that AI technologies foster equitable progress globally. The declaration’s ten principal points are:
- Public-Private Collaboration for Inclusive Development
- Amplifying Developing Countries’ Voices in Global AI Governance
- Cross-Sector Efforts to Bridge the AI Divide
- Balanced Regulatory Frameworks
- Leveraging AI for Peace and Development
- Promoting Inclusive Global AI Governance
- Ensuring Data Sovereignty and Ethical AI Frameworks
- Valuing Local Innovation and Grassroots Approaches
- Prioritizing AI Education and Capacity Building
- Embracing a Human-Centric AI Development Philosophy
Participants engaged in thorough discussions on the declaration content, with the full version to be published soon.
Closing Remarks and Future Prospects
Andrea A. Jacobs and Tianze Zhang delivered closing remarks, summarizing key forum points and setting the stage for future actions. Zhang emphasized that the “Vienna Consensus” represents a collective commitment to turning the concept of fair AI into reality, uplifting and empowering global communities.
Looking ahead, the third AI for Developing Countries Forum was announced for January 27-28, 2025, in Geneva. This event will expand beyond a single forum to include a series of smaller meetings and dialogues, providing more opportunities for in-depth exchanges between businesses and governments.
The AI for Developing Countries Forum in Vienna has set a new benchmark for inclusive AI development and governance. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from over 50 countries and producing the “AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration,” the forum has made significant strides towards ensuring that AI’s transformative power benefits all of humanity, especially in developing nations.
This forum marks the beginning of a concerted global effort to harness AI’s potential for the betterment of developing countries and the world at large. It underscores the importance of diverse perspectives, grassroots innovations, and collaborative approaches in shaping the future of AI governance and implementation.
