AI For Developing Countries Vienna Forum Outcome Declaration

We, the participants of the AI for Developing Countries Vienna Forum, representing stakeholders from governments, international organizations, private sector entities, academia, and civil society, gathered in Vienna on 17th and 18th July, 2024, to address the critical role of artificial intelligence in fostering sustainable development and bridging the digital divide in developing countries.

Recognizing the transformative potential of AI technologies in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the imperative to ensure that this potential is harnessed equitably and responsibly across all nations;

Acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities faced by developing countries in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, and the urgent need for inclusive global governance frameworks on AI that amplify the voices of these nations;

Reaffirming our commitment to the principles outlined in the 2024 United Nations’ resolution on AI for sustainable development (GA/12588) and the Global Digital Compact;

Emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in building AI capacity, fostering local innovation, and ensuring the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies that respect human rights, privacy, and data sovereignty;

Guided by a human-centric approach that places the well-being of all individuals and communities at the forefront of AI advancement;

We hereby declare our shared vision and commitments for leveraging AI as a catalyst for inclusive growth, peace, and sustainable development in developing countries, as outlined in the following Eleven key points of action and cooperation.

One. Public-Private Collaboration for Inclusive Development

Conference participants reached a consensus on the need to jointly leverage AI as a key tool for promoting inclusive and sustainable development in developing countries. Conference participants commit to collaboratively apply AI technologies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that technological progress benefits all populations, especially vulnerable groups, and promoting equality.

Two. Developing Countries’ Voice in Global AI Governance

Conference participants call for a greater voice in global AI governance for representatives of developing countries. Conference participants from the private sector pledge to support more inclusive global dialogue and decision-making mechanisms, ensuring that developing countries can play a crucial role in shaping the future of global AI. This is seen as key to achieving truly fair and effective global AI development.

Three. Cross-Sector Collaboration to Bridge the AI Divide

Conference participants clearly recognize that bridging the AI gap between developed and developing countries requires multi-stakeholder cooperation. All parties commit to ensuring fair access to AI technologies and expertise through technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and capacity building, thereby promoting balanced global AI development. All parties agree that there cannot be fair access to AI without fair and affordable prices for the related technology.

Four. Dynamic Framework Balancing Regulation and Innovation

Conference participants identify the importance of establishing flexible and effective AI governance frameworks, considering the 2024 United Nations’ resolution on AI for sustainable development (GA/12588) and the Global Digital Compact, ensuring that the private sector actively participates in the policy-making process. All parties identify the importance of creating a regulatory environment that both protects public interests and encourages innovation, with special attention to achieving this balance in resource-constrained developing country environments. Participants emphasize the need for clear accountability mechanisms to ensure responsible development and deployment of AI technologies in line with these frameworks.

Five. AI for Peace and Development

Conference participants recognize AI’s potential in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Tech companies commit to developing and providing relevant tools and platforms to support these efforts. All parties agree to explore how AI technologies can offer innovative solutions to long-standing peace and development issues in developing countries.

Six. Inclusive Global AI Governance

Participants agreed on the need for inclusive global cooperation in AI governance, ensuring that the voices of developing countries are fully heard. All parties identify the importance of establishing more democratic and diverse global AI governance mechanisms that reflect the interests and concerns of all countries, considering the needs and expectations of the more vulnerable groups.

Seven. Data Sovereignty and Ethical Framework

Participants agreed that data sovereignty is crucial for developing countries. They emphasize the need to establish ethical AI frameworks that respect privacy and national interests. All participants identify the importance of special attention to protecting the data rights of individuals in developing countries to avoid data colonialism and unfair exploitation while advancing AI development.

Eight. Value of Local Innovation and Grassroots Approaches

The forum highlights the important value of local and grassroots innovation in AI governance and implementation. Participants recognize that developing countries can and should be active creators of AI technology, not just consumers. All participants agree to the importance of supporting and nurturing indigenous AI innovation ecosystems in developing countries.

Nine.AI Education and Capacity Building

Participants emphasize the critical role of AI education and capacity building in developing countries. Participants identify the importance of joint efforts in educational reform, skills training, and resource investment to address the “AI deficit,” cultivate local AI talent, and lay the foundation for long-term AI development in developing countries.

Ten. Human-Centric AI Development Philosophy

As the core concept throughout the forum, participants agree to place human well-being at the heart of AI development. All participants  agree to prioritize ethics, transparency, human rights, and social impact in the design, development, and deployment of AI. This ensures that AI technologies truly serve human needs and promote social equity and sustainable development. AI can be used as a tool, subject to certain conditions, but AI should not be used for making decisions. This philosophy will guide the implementation of all other consensus points, ensuring that advances in AI technology ultimately benefit all of humanity. No one will be left behind.

Eleven. Establishment of an Implementation Committee

The forum participants agree to establish a dedicated Implementation Committee, comprised of diverse stakeholders, to oversee the execution of the declaration’s commitments, develop action plans, monitor progress, and provide regular reports on implementation efforts.