Staff Report
The AI for Developing Countries Forum in Vienna, themed “AI Justice for All: Voices of Change,” concluded with a historic declaration and a series of insightful discussions. The event gathered a diverse group of speakers and participants, ultimately producing the significant AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration.
Morning Session Highlights
The day’s sessions began with a compelling presentation by Andrea A. Jacobs, Crown Counsel from the Ministry of Legal Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda. Her talk, “When AI Meets Island Time: Amplifying Developing Voices in Global AI Governance,” challenged the conventional belief that AI innovation is dominated by tech giants. Jacobs emphasized the critical role small island states and developing nations play in creating ethical and inclusive AI systems.
Following this, Philip Hackett from the Geneva International Dispute Resolution Institute discussed AI’s transformative potential in justice systems within developing countries. He highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of implementing AI in resource-limited environments.
A panel titled “Transforming Justice with AI: Balancing Opportunities and Challenges” brought together legal experts and technology professionals to discuss how AI can improve judicial efficiency and accessibility while ensuring fairness and ethical use. Muhammad Zuhaili, Executive Chairman of the International Islamic Youth League Asia, also presented on the necessity of integrating human values into AI with his talk, “Technology Should Serve Humanity: From Code to Compassion.”
Another panel discussion focused on integrating AI principles into digital inclusion, employment transformation, and legal protection in developing countries, emphasizing the need for ethical AI practices. Poncelet Ileleji, Chairman of Jokkolabs Banjul Association, concluded the morning with a presentation on the challenges of AI infrastructure and education in developing regions.
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 ways to use AI to bridge justice gaps and empower marginalized communities. Xingweilin Ji from the AI for Developing Countries Forum presented grassroots innovations in AI governance, offering fresh perspectives on ethical AI deployment.
A subsequent panel titled “Grassroots Innovations Shaping AI Governance” featured experts from international organizations and impact-focused enterprises discussing community-driven approaches to AI governance. Wisdom Addo, Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Peace Foundation, explored the use of AI in peacebuilding in his talk, “From Grassroots to AI: Innovative Approaches to Peacebuilding in Developing Nations.”
Anders Frantzen, Programme Officer at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), discussed AI’s potential in tackling challenges like crime prevention and drug control in developing countries.
AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration: A Blueprint for Inclusive AI
The forum culminated in the creation of the “AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration,” a comprehensive framework for AI development and governance in developing countries. This declaration represents a collective commitment to ensuring AI technologies promote equitable progress worldwide. The ten key points of the declaration include:
- 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 will be published soon, following thorough discussions among participants.
Closing Remarks and Future Prospects
Andrea A. Jacobs and Tianze Zhang delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the significance of the Vienna Consensus as a commitment to turning the vision of fair AI into reality. They highlighted the forum’s success in bringing together diverse perspectives to address the challenges and opportunities of AI in the Global South.
The third AI for Developing Countries Forum was announced for January 27-28, 2025, in Geneva. This future event aims to extend beyond a single forum, incorporating a series of smaller meetings and dialogues for deeper 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 convening diverse stakeholders from over 50 countries and formulating the AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration, the forum has made a significant step towards ensuring AI’s benefits are shared globally, particularly in developing nations.
This forum marks the beginning of a concerted global effort to harness AI’s potential for the betterment of developing countries and the world at large, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives, grassroots innovations, and collaborative approaches in shaping the future of AI governance and implementation.
