Josh Weiner
The second day of the AI for Developing Countries Forum in Vienna, themed “AI Justice for All: Voices of Change,” showcased a diverse range of speakers and panel discussions, culminating in the adoption of the landmark AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration and impactful closing remarks.
Morning Session Highlights
The day opened with a compelling 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 crucial role of small island states and developing nations in shaping ethical and inclusive AI systems, challenging the notion that AI progress is driven solely by tech giants.
Philip Hackett from the Geneva International Dispute Resolution Institute followed, exploring AI’s potential to revolutionize justice systems in resource-constrained environments, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.
A panel discussion on “Transforming Justice with AI: Balancing Opportunities and Challenges” featured legal professionals and tech industry representatives. The panel delved into how AI can enhance efficiency and accessibility in judicial systems while addressing concerns about fairness, transparency, and ethical implementation.
Muhammad Zuhaili, Executive Chairman of the International Islamic Youth League Asia, presented “Technology Should Serve Humanity: From Code to Compassion,” emphasizing the integration of human values and compassion into AI.
Another panel discussion focused on “Integrating AI Design Principles into Digital Inclusion, Employment Transformation, and Legal Protection in Developing Countries,” tackling ethical AI implementation and its impact on various sectors.
The morning session concluded with a presentation by Poncelet Ileleji, Chairman of Jokkolabs Banjul Association, on “AI Deficit: Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure and Education Challenges in Developing Countries,” highlighting the growing technological divide and its consequences.
Afternoon Session Highlights
The afternoon began with a panel on “Digital Justice 2.0: How AI is Revolutionizing Legal Aid Systems in Developing Countries,” exploring 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 offering fresh perspectives on ethical AI deployment.
A panel on “Grassroots Innovations Shaping AI Governance – Elevating Diverse Perspectives from Developing Countries” brought together experts from international organizations, legal firms, and impact-focused enterprises to discuss 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 insights 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
The forum’s participants collaboratively formulated 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 serve as a catalyst for equitable progress worldwide. The ten principal points of the consensus 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
The declaration was thoroughly discussed, and the full version will be published soon.
Closing Remarks and Future Prospects
Andrea A. Jacobs and Tianze Zhang delivered closing remarks, summarizing the forum’s key points and setting the stage for future actions. Zhang emphasized that the “Vienna Consensus” is not just a document, but a collective commitment to turn 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 upcoming 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 taken a significant step towards ensuring that AI’s transformative power benefits all of humanity, particularly in developing nations.
This forum marks not an end, but a beginning of a concerted global effort to harness AI’s potential for the betterment of developing nations and, by extension, the entire world. It underscores the importance of diverse perspectives, grassroots innovations, and collaborative approaches in shaping the future of AI governance and implementation.
