Josh Weiner
The AI for Developing Countries Forum kicked off on July 17th at the United Nations Office in Vienna under the theme “Fair AI for a Fair World.” This innovative event brought together global experts, policymakers, and innovators to address the crucial issue of bridging digital divides and promoting inclusive AI development.
The event started with a powerful opening speech by Tianze Zhang, who stressed the urgent need to harness AI’s potential to achieve global equity. Following this, Andrea A. Jacobs announced the Third AI for Developing Countries Forum, slated for 2025, signifying a continued commitment to this important dialogue. Dr. Wendy O’Brien from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime gave a thought-provoking presentation on the interplay between human rights and AI, emphasizing the necessity of ethical considerations in technological advancements.
The morning sessions included a keynote address by Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa from UNIDO, discussing AI’s transformative impact on industrial development, particularly in emerging economies. Ambassador Magdi Ahmed Mofadal Elnour provided critical insights into AI’s effects on Less Developed Countries, sparking conversations about the opportunities and challenges these nations face in the AI era.
Throughout the day, panel discussions covered 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 variety of perspectives, fostering rich debates on how to ensure 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 presented practical strategies for developing countries to leverage AI while protecting their interests and fostering 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 emphasized the collective responsibility to shape an AI future that bridges global divides rather than widens them.
As the first day of the forum drew to a close, it was clear that the event had successfully brought together diverse perspectives to address the complex challenges of AI development in the Global South. The discussions highlighted the need for inclusive strategies, ethical governance, and international cooperation to ensure AI becomes a catalyst for global equity and sustainable development.
