The second day of the AI for Developing Countries Forum, held in Vienna under the theme “AI Justice for All: Voices of Change,” concluded with the adoption of the landmark AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration and a series of insightful discussions.
Morning Session Highlights
The forum commenced 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,” emphasized the critical role of small island states and developing nations in shaping ethical and inclusive AI systems.
Philip Hackett from the Geneva International Dispute Resolution Institute followed with an exploration of AI’s potential to transform justice systems in developing countries, addressing both the opportunities and the challenges in resource-constrained environments.
A panel discussion titled “Transforming Justice with AI: Balancing Opportunities and Challenges” featured legal professionals and tech industry experts who discussed how AI can enhance judicial efficiency and accessibility while ensuring fairness, transparency, and ethical implementation.
Muhammad Zuhaili, Executive Chairman of the International Islamic Youth League Asia, presented “Technology Should Serve Humanity: From Code to Compassion,” highlighting the importance of infusing AI with human values and compassion.
Another panel focused on “Integrating AI Design Principles into Digital Inclusion, Employment Transformation, and Legal Protection in Developing Countries,” addressing ethical AI implementation and its impact on various sectors.
The morning session concluded with a presentation by Poncelet Ileleji, Chairman of Jokkolabs Banjul Association, on “AI Deficit: Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure and Education Challenges in Developing Countries,” which underscored the growing technological divide and its consequences.
Afternoon Session Highlights
The afternoon began with a panel discussion on “Digital Justice 2.0: How AI is Revolutionizing Legal Aid Systems in Developing Countries,” exploring strategies to leverage AI to bridge the justice gap and empower marginalized communities.
Xingweilin Ji from the AI for Developing Countries Forum presented “Voices from the Ground Up: How Developing Nations are Reimagining AI Governance Through Local Innovation,” showcasing grassroots initiatives that offer fresh perspectives on ethical AI deployment.
A panel titled “Grassroots Innovations Shaping AI Governance – Elevating Diverse Perspectives from Developing Countries” brought together experts from international organizations, legal firms, and impact-focused enterprises to discuss community-driven approaches to AI governance.
Wisdom Addo, Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Peace Foundation, spoke on “From Grassroots to AI: Innovative Approaches to Peacebuilding in Developing Nations,” examining the potential of AI in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Anders Frantzen, Programme Officer at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), provided insights into AI’s potential to address challenges within the UNODC’s scope, such as crime prevention and drug control in developing countries.
AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration: A Blueprint for Inclusive AI
The forum’s participants collaboratively formulated the “AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration,” a comprehensive framework addressing key aspects of AI development and governance in developing countries. This declaration represents a collective commitment to ensuring AI technologies serve as catalysts for equitable progress worldwide. The ten principal points are:
- 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 detailed discussions on the declaration content will be fully published soon.
Closing Remarks and Future Prospects
Andrea A. Jacobs and Tianze Zhang delivered closing remarks, synthesizing the forum’s key points and setting the stage for future actions. Zhang emphasized that the “Vienna Consensus” is not just a document but a collective commitment to making fair AI a reality, thereby uplifting and empowering global communities.
Looking ahead, the third AI for Developing Countries Forum is scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, in Geneva. This event will expand to include a series of smaller meetings and dialogues, providing more opportunities for in-depth 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 bringing together diverse stakeholders from over 50 countries and producing the “AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration,” the forum has made significant strides towards ensuring AI’s transformative power benefits all of humanity, particularly in developing nations.
This forum marks the beginning of a concerted global effort to harness AI’s potential for the betterment of developing nations and, by extension, the entire world. It underscores the importance of diverse perspectives, grassroots innovations, and collaborative approaches in shaping the future of AI governance and implementation.
