“Empowering the Global South: Tianze Zhang’s Vision for an Inclusive AI-Driven Digital Sovereignty”

Speech by: Tianze Zhang, Founder of AI for Developing Countries Forum

“Honorable E.P Chet Greene, Distinguished guests, and Your Excellencies. First and foremost, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Antigua and Barbuda for their invaluable role in co-hosting this summit. The support from the government of Antigua and Barbuda, especially its mission to the United Nations, has been pivotal in the successful preparation for this event. This dedication exemplifies the vision and resolve of island developing states in championing global, digital, and inclusive development.

Today marks a significant juncture in human history. The advent of artificial intelligence is not merely altering our environment but is also fundamentally redefining the pillars of economic advancement, social progress, and national sovereignty. As we navigate this transformative technological revolution, we must earnestly tackle two critical questions: Will this evolution close the digital divide or widen it? Will it empower the Global South or leave it further marginalized?

As a nonprofit organization with a reach across more than 150 countries and regions and a community of over 5,000 members, the AI for Developing Countries (AIFOD) forum is founded on two fundamental principles. Firstly, we champion equal and open participation in AI discussions and advancements. We invite all constructive contributors—ranging from large corporations to startups, from individual specialists to governmental bodies. AIFOD is inclusive, serving as a bridge that unites the world while fostering cooperation and innovation.

The second core value at AIFOD centers on public and private partnerships. We are dedicated to addressing a significant challenge that many developing countries face: the private sector’s desire to responsibly engage with local markets in the absence of clear pathways, while the public sector is in dire need of private expertise but struggles to establish essential connections. AIFOD aims to build this crucial bridge, promoting sustainable AI development that benefits everyone involved.

“Empowering the South 2030: Forging an AI Future for Inclusive Digital Sovereignty” represents not only our vision but also our rallying cry for action over the next two days. Together, we will delve into strategies that ensure AI serves all of humanity, rather than remaining a privilege for just a few. By focusing on building digital infrastructure, nurturing innovation ecosystems, enhancing education, and reinforcing data sovereignty, we are dedicated to turning dialogue into actionable outcomes.

I want to stress that our commitment to open and equal participation is not just a catchy phrase. During our preparation phase, we received over 900 applications for speakers, which were meticulously reviewed through more than 60 rigorous sessions by our expert selection committee. We are proud to have selected remarkable representatives who have made impactful contributions to the Global South and exhibit innovative potential in AI development.

Our mission doesn’t end here. To translate the policy consensus achieved at the Geneva summit into tangible actions, we aspire to host a transformative AI policy summit for the Global South at the United Nations offices in Vienna in July 2025. This summit will focus on accelerating AI policy implementation across the Global South, covering areas from infrastructure to talent development and from operational mechanisms to governmental frameworks.

In promoting AI development in the Global South, AIFOD upholds strict political neutrality and strives to cultivate an environment conducive to constructive dialogue. We recognize that by transcending our differences and sharing our insights, we can adequately address the challenges confronting developing nations during their digital transformation. On this platform, voices from diverse regions and backgrounds are ensured equal consideration and respect. I am confident that through regional and practical dialogues, we will unearth the most appropriate development pathways for the Global South.

Let us unite in this critical discourse surrounding digital sovereignty and artificial intelligence to forge a future that is more inclusive and empowering for all. Thank you very much.”