The Dubai Inclusive Tech Conference-FinTech & AI for Developing Countries

Time: August 17h 2024, 14:00-18:00

DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Al Jadaf

INTRODUCTION

The Dubai Inclusive Tech Conference: FinTech & AI for Developing Countries is a regional event of the AI for Developing Countries Forum. This conference focuses on how financial technology and artificial intelligence can drive progress in developing nations, serving as a crucial platform for promoting equal access to AI globally. As an extension of the AI for Developing Countries Forum, the Dubai conference aims to deepen discussions on AI applications in emerging economies, with a special emphasis on the fintech sector. Jointly organized by the UAE-China Chamber of Commerce (UECN) and the AI for Developing Countries Forum, we create a powerful synergy to address crucial technological challenges facing developing nations.

The AI for Developing Countries Forum is dedicated to promoting equal access to AI technology for developing nations. Its third forum is scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, at the United Nations Office in Geneva, immediately following the World Economic Forum. As a regional event, the Dubai conference will provide valuable regional perspectives and practical experiences for the upcoming global forum in Geneva, further advancing the adoption and application of AI technologies in developing countries.

Through this Dubai conference, participants will have the opportunity to explore in depth how fintech and AI can specifically empower developing countries, contributing unique Middle Eastern and emerging market perspectives to the subsequent global forum.This conference will focus on critical issues at the forefront of inclusive FinTech in developing economies. Our discussions will span four key areas: regulatory frameworks balancing innovation and consumer protection, building unbiased AI for inclusive financial services, navigating the complexities of data sovereignty in financial innovation, and learning from Dubai’s FinTech Sandbox as a model for emerging markets.

Roundtable 1: Regulatory Frameworks for Inclusive FinTech: Balancing Innovation and Protection

In the rapidly evolving FinTech landscape, how can regulators in developing countries foster innovation while ensuring adequate consumer protection? As we strive to bring financial services to the unbanked, what unique challenges do these nations face in creating effective regulatory frameworks? How can experiences from regulatory sandboxes in countries like the UAE be adapted to diverse economic contexts? Moreover, how do we ensure that regulations designed to protect don’t inadvertently exclude vulnerable populations? In an era of global FinTech operations, how can developing countries balance international cooperation with local needs? Ultimately, how can we create regulatory approaches that not only allow for innovation but actively promote financial inclusion in emerging economies?

Roundtable 2: How to Build Unbiased AI for Inclusive FinTech?

In this crucial roundtable, we delve into the intersection of AI fairness and inclusive financial technology. As we strive to extend financial services to underserved populations, how can we ensure that AI systems driving these innovations are truly unbiased? What unique challenges do we face in developing AI models that are both accurate and fair across diverse cultural and economic contexts? How can we identify and mitigate hidden biases in our data and algorithms? Are our current methods for measuring AI fairness adequate for the complex realities of global finance? What role should regulators, tech companies, and financial institutions play in establishing standards for AI fairness in FinTech? How can we balance the need for rapid innovation with the imperative of ensuring equitable access to financial services? As we build these systems, how do we incorporate diverse perspectives to create truly inclusive AI solutions? Finally, what metrics should we use to measure success in achieving both technological advancement and financial inclusion through unbiased AI?

Roundtable 3: Data Sovereignty vs. Financial Innovation

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global finance, the tension between data sovereignty and financial innovation has become a critical point of discussion. As financial technologies advance, how do we balance the need for data localization with the benefits of cross-border data flows? What are the implications of data sovereignty laws on the development of innovative financial services, especially in emerging markets? How can we protect national interests and individual privacy while fostering a global ecosystem of financial innovation?

Roundtable 4: Dubai’s FinTech Model for Emerging Economies

In the competitive world of financial technology, Dubai’s FinTech Sandbox has emerged as a game-changer for businesses seeking to innovate and expand in emerging markets. This regulatory innovation offers a unique environment for companies to test cutting-edge financial products and services with reduced regulatory burden. But what does this mean for businesses eyeing opportunities in developing countries?