The AI for Good Global Summit 2024 in Geneva

The AI for Good Global Summit 2024, held in the beautiful city of Geneva, gathered a diverse group of leaders and innovators to explore the game-changing possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI). A highlight of the event was a speech from Dr. Najwa Aaraj, the CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Aaraj offered insightful perspectives on how AI can enhance technology, bolster safety and security, and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Aaraj began by presenting TII as a pioneering global research and development institute in Abu Dhabi, UAE, dedicated to fostering advanced technologies. She pointed out that TII operates 10 specialized centers that focus on areas such as security, quantum technologies, robotics, and especially_AI_, highlighting its dedication to leading advancements in generative AI and leveraging its capabilities across various sectors to create substantial value.

A significant focus of the summit was the role of generative AI in advancing the SDGs. Dr. Aaraj referenced comments made by the UN Deputy Secretary General at a recent Economic and Social Council meeting, underlining that when utilized safely, AI can expedite progress toward the SDGs, improve decision-making processes, and ignite innovation. This statement resonated deeply with her, as it underscored AI’s potential to innovate and address pressing societal challenges while also recognizing the necessity to mitigate its risks.

Elaborating on the applications of AI, Dr. Aaraj noted its vast potential across multiple sectors.

“If we think from healthcare to sustainable transportation, in critical situations where it’s currently unsafe for humans, AI-powered systems can unveil solutions and create new avenues for sustainable development,”

she stated.
She emphasized that AI is capable of creating new opportunities and innovative solutions to tackle some of society’s most pressing problems.

In response to inquiries about robots, Dr. Aaraj underscored their significance within AI-driven systems, noting that the core of their functionality is an AI program that facilitates perception, navigation, control, and manipulation.

“[Robots are] a valuable asset for society… They enhance efficiency from both operational and cost perspectives, bolster safety in perilous situations, improve surgical precision in healthcare, and navigate hazardous environments,”

she remarked.

During a panel discussion on AI safety and security, Dr. Aaraj highlighted the critical need for incorporating safety provisions into AI development.

“In recent years, the focus has often been on the rapid development of large language models. It’s time to contemplate how trustworthy and safe these models are,”

she asserted.
She called for transparency in AI models and stressed the importance of safeguarding data privacy, particularly in healthcare applications, stating that privacy-preserving techniques and anonymization are vital for protecting medical records and encouraging adoption.

A centerpiece of Dr. Aaraj’s discussion was TII’s initiatives, including the Falcon Foundation, created to stimulate innovation in AI. TII recently rolled out a series of proprietary open-source large language models known as the Falcon Series, which have achieved top rankings among existing models. Established earlier this year, the Falcon Foundation is devoted to progressing open-source generative AI models and fostering sustainable innovation, with a commitment of $300 million to finance innovative concepts in model architecture, accuracy, safety, and application layers.

Dr. Aaraj emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in the realm of AI development.

“We aim to bridge the AI divide, ensuring accessibility for all, and we firmly believe in the transformative power of open-sourcing,”

she stated.
She accentuated TII’s commitment to cultivating a collaborative environment conducive to AI innovation.

In conclusion, Dr. Najwa Aaraj highlighted the transformative possibilities of AI and the critical necessity of responsibly addressing its associated risks. Her contributions at the AI for Good Global Summit reflected TII’s commitment to harnessing AI for societal benefit while emphasizing innovation, safety, and collaboration. By advancing AI technologies and advocating for open-source initiatives, TII aims to play a vital role in global efforts to meet SDGs and address crucial societal challenges. Dr. Aaraj’s vision aligns technological progress with a robust ethical framework, ensuring that AI advancements are secure, transparent, and advantageous for all. As AI evolves, the strategies and initiatives she highlighted offer a powerful roadmap for leveraging technology to benefit society as a whole.