At the AI for Good Global Summit held in Geneva, Switzerland, leaders from government, industry, and the global AI community came together to enhance inclusivity in the field of artificial intelligence. This initiative, organized by ITU – the UN Agency for Digital Technologies, focused on ensuring that all voices, especially those from developing countries, are heard in discussions about the future of AI.
The summit emphasized the importance of diversity in viewpoints and highlighted the need for inclusive AI governance to address challenges such as AI-driven disinformation and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ITU’s AI for Good platform, established in 2017, plays a key role in identifying practical applications of AI to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Through collaborations with UN partners and academia, the platform aims to connect AI innovators with decision-makers to implement AI solutions on a global scale.
A significant development at the summit was the launch of the UN Activities on Artificial Intelligence, showcasing over 400 projects by 47 UN agencies that align with the 17 SDGs. Additionally, a new partnership between ITU and the United Nations University will leverage the knowledge of nearly 10,000 AI experts to provide insights for stakeholders navigating the evolving landscape of AI.
In the realm of standardization, ITU, along with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), announced a unified framework for developing AI standards. This collaborative effort aims to translate AI governance principles into actionable standards, with a focus on areas such as AI watermarking, multimedia authenticity, and deepfake detection.
To further drive progress in the AI domain, the AI for Good Impact Initiative was launched to promote sustainable development through AI applications. This initiative will facilitate partnerships, competitions, research, and policy guidance to ensure that AI solutions benefit all regions and address every SDG equally.
The summit also featured discussions and demonstrations showcasing cutting-edge innovations in generative AI, robotics, and brain-machine interfaces that can catalyze advancements in climate action, healthcare, education, and disaster response. Notable demos included technologies that translate brain waves into words and mind-controlled robotic prosthetics powered by AI.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders and experts, the AI for Good Global Summit laid the groundwork for a more inclusive, collaborative approach to leveraging AI for the betterment of society and the planet. With a focus on governance, standards development, capacity building, and technological advancements, the summit heralds a future where AI works to the benefit of humanity as a whole.
