Press Release: AI for Developing Countries Forum Concludes with Landmark Declaration

Vienna, Austria – July 18, 2024 – The AI for Developing Countries Forum, a pivotal two-day event, has successfully concluded at the United Nations Office in Vienna, marking a significant milestone in the global dialogue on artificial intelligence and sustainable development. Held on July 17-18, 2024, the forum brought together an impressive array of stakeholders from governments, international organizations, private sector entities, academia, and civil society, all united by a common goal: to address the critical role of artificial intelligence in fostering sustainable development and bridging the digital divide in developing countries.

Under the compelling theme “Fair AI for a Fair World,” the forum served as a dynamic platform for crucial discussions on harnessing AI’s transformative potential to create a more equitable global landscape. The event was characterized by a series of insightful presentations, engaging panel discussions, and interactive sessions that delved deep into various aspects of AI governance, implementation, and impact in developing nations. Participants were driven by a powerful vision: to ensure that the transformative power of AI reaches every corner of the globe, especially developing nations, bridging digital divides, fostering innovation, and shaping a future where technology serves all of humanity.

The forum opened with a stirring address by Tianze Zhang, Chief Representative of CIRID in Vienna, who spoke on “Bridging the AI Divide: Our Moment to Rewrite the Future.” Zhang’s speech set the tone for the event, emphasizing the critical juncture at which we stand – where the power of AI can either widen the chasm between nations or become the bridge that unites us all. He called upon participants to seize the opportunity to change the narrative and ensure that AI becomes a force for global equity rather than a wedge that drives us further apart.

A highlight of the first day was the keynote speech delivered by Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa, Chief of Digital Transformation and AI Strategies at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Her address on “Bridging the AI Divide: Industrial Development Perspectives” underscored the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution for developing countries. De Sousa emphasized AI as a catalyst for technological advancement in manufacturing and other productive sectors, enhancing decision-making and prediction capabilities. Her speech also addressed the stark disparity in global AI distribution, with developed countries leading in innovation while developing countries often remain mere users of, or have no access to, these technologies.

The forum was further enriched by the active participation of several distinguished United Nations colleagues as speakers, underlining the UN’s commitment to inclusive AI development. Dr. Wendy O’Brien, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer specializing in Technology and Human Rights at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), delivered a compelling presentation on “Human Rights, AI, New Technologies, Justice, and Law Reform.” Her talk explored the intersection of AI, human rights, and sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of incorporating human rights principles in AI development and implementation. Anders Frantzen, Programme Officer at UNODC, provided valuable insights on AI’s potential to address challenges within UNODC’s scope, such as crime prevention and drug control in developing countries. These contributions from UN experts significantly enhanced the depth and breadth of the forum’s discussions, providing crucial perspectives on the role of AI in achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring equitable progress across nations.

The forum also benefited from the valuable insights of distinguished ambassadors, notably His Excellency Magdi Ahmed Mofadal Elnour, Ambassador of Sudan to Austria and Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, who delivered a thought-provoking address on “AI and Economic Transformation in LDCs: Bridging or Widening the Gap of Inequalities?”, bringing a crucial diplomatic perspective to the discussions on AI’s impact on Less Developed Countries.

The first day opened with a panel discussion on “AI for Inclusive and Sustainable Development,” moderated by Billy Batware from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. This discussion explored how to harness AI’s power for the most vulnerable while safeguarding against algorithmic tyranny, featuring insights from Sumita Kunashakaran of Inclusive Creation AS, Andreas Herden of Green Mountain AS, Lisette Espin-Noboa from Central European University, and Oleg Lenski from the Erasmus Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Business and Finance.

Another crucial roundtable, “Data Sovereignty in AI: Transparency, Privacy, and National Interests,” was moderated by Partha Gopalakrishnan, Founder at PG Advisors LTD. This discussion delved into the complex balancing act developing nations face between data sovereignty, transparency, and national interests in the AI revolution. Panelists included Chandra Challagonda from FIWARE Foundation, Olga Guselnikova from the Austrian Centre of Excellence for Electrochemical Surface Technology, Ferdinand Rudolf Waldenberger from Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna, and Maximilien Houel from Sistema.

The roundtable on “Democratizing AI: Strategies for Overcoming Cognitive Biases, Illusion Correction, and Fact Obfuscation Barriers in Emerging Economies,” moderated by Peter Ruggle, Partner at Ruggle Partner, brought together experts such as Nisar Ahmad Zafar from Sublime Wireless Inc., David Bennett from Mimic Productions, Mark Pfeiffer from IABG, and Thomas Treml from Microsoft Deutschland GmbH. This discussion explored how developing countries can address challenges related to cognitive bias, illusion correction, and fact obfuscation in the age of AI, particularly in the context of cybersecurity threats and the need for robust legal frameworks.

Another significant roundtable, “Navigating AI Governance in Global South: Pro-Regulation or Pro-Innovation?”, was moderated by Daniel Eder from Deutsche Telekom AG. This discussion featured diverse voices including Husham Al-Janabi from the Embassy of Iraq in Vienna, Angelos Chronis from Infrared City GmbH, Nicki Bull Bisgaard from PayTech Group AS, Isabella Mader from Excellence Research in Vienna, and Seda Röder from the Human Rights and Peace Association. This roundtable tackled the critical dilemma facing developing countries in balancing regulation and innovation in AI governance, exploring unique governance models that might emerge from their perspectives.

The first day was also featured impactful presentations from two key speakers. SAM(Yingling) Xu, Founder of Geno.ai, addressed “Data as the New Frontier,” emphasizing data sovereignty for developing nations in the AI age. Daniel Ojdanic, Inhaber of D.O. Solutions e.U., discussed “Building Enterprise Competitiveness in the AI Era,” focusing on data security and talent strategies. Their insights significantly enriched the day’s discussions on AI challenges and opportunities for developing countries.

Day two of the forum opened with a presentation by Andrea A. Jacobs, Crown Counsel from the Ministry of Legal Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, titled “When AI Meets Island Time: Amplifying Developing Voices in Global AI Governance.” This talk challenged conventional perspectives, highlighting how small island states and developing nations are not just participants, but critical innovators in shaping ethical and inclusive AI systems. Jacobs also announced the Third AI for Developing Countries Forum, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, which promises to build on the achievements of this year’s event.

The forum also addressed critical issues such as the role of AI in judicial systems of developing countries, with Philip Hackett from the Geneva International Dispute Resolution Institute leading a discussion on “Can AI Truly Drive Judicial Justice in Developing Countries?” This session explored AI’s potential to revolutionize justice systems in resource-constrained environments, examining both its promises and challenges.

A particularly poignant moment came during the presentation by Muhammad Zuhaili, Executive Chairman of the International Islamic Youth League Asia, who spoke on “Technology Should Serve Humanity: From Code to Compassion.” Zuhaili’s talk emphasized the need to infuse our technological advancements with compassion and human values, ensuring that in our quest for progress, we don’t diminish our humanity.

The roundtable in day2 opened with the roundtable “Transforming Justice with AI: Balancing Opportunities and Challenges,” moderated by Philip Hackett from the Geneva International Dispute Resolution Institute. This panel explored the potential of AI to revolutionize judicial systems in developing countries, while also addressing the ethical considerations and challenges that arise. Ireen Nambule-Samulozela, Partner at Wilson & Cornhill, shared insights on the practical implementation of AI in legal systems of developing nations. Marry Walker, Barrister at Wentworth Chambers, discussed the potential impact on legal procedures and access to justice. Sachin Chauhan, Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, provided a technological perspective on AI integration in judicial processes. Axel Stellbrink, Partner at Stellbrink & Partner Patentanwälte, offered views on how AI could transform intellectual property law in developing economies. The discussion highlighted both the transformative potential of AI in improving judicial efficiency and access to justice, as well as the need for careful implementation to ensure fairness and transparency.

Following this, Robert Uitz-Dallinger, a journalist at ORF, moderated the roundtable on “Integrating AI Design Principles into Digital Inclusion, Employment Transformation, and Legal Protection in Developing Countries.” This session focused on the practical aspects of implementing AI technologies in ways that promote inclusivity and protect workers’ rights. Rahul Kharat, Head of AI Products and Innovation at Zenon Analytics Private Limited, shared insights on designing AI systems with inclusion in mind. Alakh Verma, Founder and CEO at Centriqe Inc, discussed the transformation of employment landscapes due to AI adoption. Shahanaz Müller, Partner AML & Sanctions-Compliance Advisory at Deloitte Forensic, addressed the legal and compliance challenges in AI implementation. Chibuzor Udokwu, Senior Researcher at ABC Research, presented findings on the impact of AI on workforce dynamics in developing nations. The panel emphasized the need for AI design principles that consider the unique socio-economic contexts of developing countries.

The afternoon session began with “Digital Justice 2.0: How AI is Revolutionizing Legal Aid Systems in Developing Countries,” moderated by Dominik Gałkowski, Co-managing Partner at Kubas Kos Gałkowski. This roundtable brought together diverse perspectives to explore how AI can bridge the justice gap in developing nations. Andrii Ryshchenko, Judge at Dnipropetrovsk Regional Administrative Court, shared experiences of integrating AI in judicial processes. Claudia Abbas, Professor at the University of Brasilia, and Firman Freaddy Busroh, Dean and Associate Professor at Sumpah Pemuda School of Law, provided academic insights on the implications of AI in legal education and practice. Joseph Katshung Yav, Managing Partner and Senior Attorney at Yav & Associates LLP, and Pawel Silkora, Partner at KKG Warsaw Office, offered perspectives on the practical challenges and opportunities of AI in legal practice. The discussion highlighted innovative approaches to using AI for improving access to legal aid, while also addressing concerns about maintaining the human element in legal processes.

The forum concluded with the roundtable “Grassroots Innovations Shaping AI Governance – Elevating Diverse Perspectives from Developing Countries,” moderated by Lionel Lodge, CEO of SyncLodge. This session showcased how local innovations from the Global South are offering unique solutions to AI challenges. LU Junyan, Junior Professional Officer in the Division of Digital Transformation at UNIDO, presented case studies of grassroots AI initiatives. Jaime Enrique Cuevas Martínez, Founding Partner and CEO at Ayanz Estrategia Legal Internacional, discussed legal frameworks supporting local AI innovation. Kristin Nobles, Founder of B Noble Impact, shared insights on fostering AI entrepreneurship in developing regions. Yonah Welker, EU/MENA Envoy for EU Commission Projects, offered perspectives on bridging local innovations with global AI governance frameworks. This final roundtable emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting bottom-up approaches to AI development and governance in the Global South.

The culmination of the forum was the adoption of the “AI for Developing Countries Vienna Forum Outcome Declaration,” a landmark document that outlines eleven key points of action and cooperation. This comprehensive declaration emphasizes the need for public-private collaboration in leveraging AI for sustainable development, calls for amplifying developing countries’ voices in global AI governance, and stresses the importance of bridging the AI divide through cross-sector collaboration. It also addresses critical issues such as balancing regulation and innovation in AI governance frameworks, harnessing AI for peace and development, ensuring data sovereignty and ethical AI frameworks, and promoting local innovation and grassroots approaches in AI.

Importantly, the declaration puts a strong emphasis on AI education and capacity building in developing countries, recognizing the critical need to address the “AI deficit” and cultivate local AI talent. It also adopts a human-centric AI development philosophy, placing human well-being at the heart of AI advancement and ensuring that AI technologies truly serve human needs and promote social equity and sustainable development.

A significant outcome of the forum is the establishment of an Implementation Committee, as outlined in the declaration. This committee, comprised of diverse stakeholders, will be responsible for overseeing the execution of the declaration’s commitments, developing action plans, monitoring progress, and providing regular reports on implementation efforts. This step ensures that the forum’s outcomes will translate into concrete actions and sustainable change.

As the forum concluded, Tianze Zhang, Chief Representative of CIRID in Vienna, offered closing remarks that encapsulated the spirit of the event. “This forum has set a new benchmark in our collective efforts to ensure that AI becomes a force for global equity,” Zhang stated. “The discussions held and commitments made here will shape the future of AI governance and implementation in developing countries, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable digital future. We stand at the precipice of a new era, and the choices we make now will determine whether AI becomes a bridge uniting nations or a force that widens existing divides. Today, we have taken a crucial step towards ensuring it becomes the former.”

The AI for Developing Countries Forum has undoubtedly made a significant contribution to the global dialogue on AI and development. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives through innovative roundtable discussions and collaborative sessions, it has laid the groundwork for more inclusive and equitable AI governance and implementation. As the world continues to grapple with the rapid advancement of AI technologies, the outcomes of this forum will serve as a crucial guide, ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared by all, particularly those in developing nations.

The forum received a significant boost to its credibility and impact through an endorsement from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), underscoring the event’s alignment with global efforts to promote responsible and inclusive AI development.

For more information about the AI for Developing Countries Forum and to access the full Outcome Declaration, please visit www.aifod.org. The organizers can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at +43-1-4420113.

The AI for Developing Countries Forum is a platform dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities of AI in developing nations. It brings together diverse stakeholders to shape policies, share knowledge, and foster collaborations that promote inclusive and sustainable AI development globally. Through events like this, the forum continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that the AI revolution benefits all of humanity, leaving no one behind.