The AI for Good Global Summit recently commenced in Geneva, featuring robots that welcomed attendees at the entrance, adding an extra dimension to the event. Hosted annually by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), this summit provides a platform for the discussion of the prospects and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and attracts a multitude of participants from diverse sectors around the globe.
The venue was alive with state-of-the-art technology, including AI-driven robots, brain-controlled tools, and generative AI solutions. While these innovations were fascinating, the primary focus of the summit was addressing the digital and technological disparities prevalent in our society.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the Secretary-General of the ITU, emphasized the urgency of inclusive and secure AI governance, underscoring the reality that a substantial portion of the global population still lacks access to the internet and therefore remains excluded from the AI revolution. The existing digital divide, impacting 2.6 billion individuals worldwide, is no longer acceptable. Bridging this gap is imperative to ensure equitable access to AI technology and promote comprehensive progress.
To address these challenges, Bogdan-Martin advocated for global coordination in three key areas: risk and security management, infrastructure and resource development, and international collaboration. She also commended efforts such as the UN General Assembly’s resolution that promotes trustworthy AI systems and emphasized the importance of sustained momentum leading up to the UN Summit of the Future.
The summit also highlighted inspiring instances of AI innovation, such as Bioniks, a startup focused on producing affordable prosthetics for amputees, and Ultrasound AI, which aims to enhance prenatal care. These initiatives not only leverage AI for technological advancements but also make a positive impact on people’s lives.
In the future, the ITU has committed to developing standards for AI watermarking and digital content verification to combat the threats posed by deepfakes and disinformation, particularly in the lead-up to the largest election year in history. Leaders such as UN Secretary-General António Guterres have underscored the transformative potential of AI in advancing sustainable development worldwide.
Companies like Google are also stepping up to support AI initiatives aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including utilizing AI and data solutions to monitor progress and forecast natural disasters.
The AI for Good Summit serves as a reminder that while AI has the potential to revolutionize multiple sectors, responsible and inclusive governance is crucial to harness its full potential. As we navigate the age of AI, it is essential to ensure that technological advancements benefit all of humanity and pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.