Staff Report
The AI for Developing Countries Forum, held on July 17th at the United Nations Office in Vienna, focused on the theme “Fair AI for a Fair World.” This landmark event brought together global experts, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the crucial issues of digital equity and inclusive AI development.
The forum began with an impactful opening address by Tianze Zhang, who emphasized the pressing need to utilize AI for achieving global fairness. Following this, Andrea A. Jacobs announced the upcoming Third AI for Developing Countries Forum in 2025, highlighting ongoing dedication to this important dialogue. Dr. Wendy O’Brien from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime then delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the intersection of human rights and AI, underscoring the importance of ethical considerations in technological advancements.
Morning sessions continued with a keynote speech by Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa from UNIDO, who discussed AI’s transformative potential in industrial development, particularly for emerging economies. Ambassador Magdi Ahmed Mofadal Elnour provided a vital perspective on AI’s impact on Less Developed Countries, sparking discussions on the opportunities and challenges these nations face in the AI era.
Throughout the day, a series of panel discussions explored critical 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 diverse viewpoints, fostering rich debates on how to ensure AI benefits all nations equitably.
In the afternoon, presentations on Federated Data Infrastructures by Roland Fadrany and Enterprise Competitiveness in the AI Era by Daniel Ojdanic offered practical strategies for developing countries to leverage AI while protecting their interests and encouraging 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 in shaping an AI future that bridges global divides rather than exacerbating them.
As the first day of the forum came to an end, it was clear that the event had successfully gathered 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 force for global equity and sustainable development.
