Unlocking the Power of AI for Global Impact: Insights from Frederic Werner

In anticipation of the highly awaited AI for Good Global Summit, Frederic Werner, the Chief of Strategy and Operations at AI for Good, ITU, shared valuable insights in an interview with Lisa Thee from Launch Consulting Group. In this episode of “Navigating Abroad,” Werner emphasizes the Summit’s crucial role in identifying and amplifying AI solutions that drive social progress.

“AI for Good holds immense significance today,” Werner states, reflecting on the initiative’s evolution since its inception in 2017.

He elaborated on the changing focus and growing relevance of the AI for Good initiative in light of the fast-paced advancements in AI technologies, particularly generative AI. A notable addition to this year’s summit is the launch of AI Governance Day, set for May 29, 2024. Werner characterized this new emphasis as vital for shaping the future of AI, highlighting a significant transition from theoretical principles to global regulatory implementation that ensures AI is used beneficially.

“We’re adding an extra day on Day Zero dubbed AI Governance Day,” he noted.

These discussions surrounding global AI governance will delve into the recent surge in worldwide initiatives aimed at establishing AI policy and regulatory frameworks. The event will convene over 75 ministers, leaders from more than 20 UN agencies, with 40% of attendees coming from developing countries, along with civil society representatives and AI experts from various sectors, all working towards transforming the dialogue on AI governance into actionable strategies.

This year, the AI for Good Global Summit will not only tackle scalable solutions to global issues but will also recognize the importance of addressing the unintended consequences that may arise from AI technologies. A dedicated workshop titled “Detecting Deepfakes and Generative AI: Standards for AI Watermarking and Multimedia Authenticity” will address the critical issue of misinformation and the role of standards in identifying machine-generated content online. Learn more about the workshop here:

Growing the Community of AI Innovators
Werner stressed the immense potential of AI to foster positive social change and highlighted the crucial need for collaboration and community engagement. He discussed ITU’s initiatives to enhance global participation through the Neural Network, an online platform that hosts various events and has nurtured a vibrant community spanning 183 countries.

“We’ve cultivated a community of approximately 25,000 individuals and it’s growing at a pace of 200 to 300 new members weekly,” Werner shared, showcasing ITU’s dedication to inclusive AI education and collaboration.

This year’s summit promises an exciting array of over 90 demonstrations and exhibits, including cutting-edge robots, drones, and brain-machine interfaces from leading innovators. These showcases are set to illustrate AI’s vast capabilities in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), presenting real-world applications of advanced AI technologies across multiple sectors. Discover some of the demos coming to the Summit:

AI Technologies Transforming Space and Environmental Sustainability
AI Innovations Advancing Society and the Arts
AI Technologies Shaping the Future of Healthcare

The 2024 Summit will particularly spotlight the transformative capabilities of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), also referred to as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). These advanced technologies are poised to revolutionize healthcare by aiding recovery from neurological injuries, treating conditions like epilepsy and depression, and enhancing neuro-prosthetics with advanced sensory inputs. Bitbrain’s CEO, Lopez, described the summit as a “fantastic opportunity” for sharing firsthand research and discussing policy and ethical considerations related to these emerging technologies.

AI for Good Innovation Factory: Accelerating SDG-Driven Solutions
At the forefront of driving and supporting AI solutions for the SDGs is the AI for Good Innovation Factory. This global competition, organized by ITU, assists startups in developing and expanding their innovative AI-driven solutions. Throughout the year, winners of pitching sessions on the Neural Network receive a prize package, which includes participation in the AI for Good Innovation Factory Grand Finale at the AI for Good Global Summit 2024. This platform empowers startups to scale their solutions on a global level with backing from international organizations, prominent tech firms, and investors. Discover some of the finalists showcasing their work at the Summit:

Meet Stemuli, a start-up revolutionizing education and workforce development with AI-driven gaming.
Meet Finapp, a start-up leveraging ML and particle physics to enhance water sustainability.
Meet Wandercraft, an innovative care start-up developing AI-powered exoskeletons for enhanced mobility and independence.
Meet Bioniks, a startup focused on creating prosthetic solutions to enhance mobility and accessibility for users.

Canvas of the Future with Shutterstock
The “Canvas of the Future” contest, launched by ITU’s AI for Good platform in partnership with Shutterstock, challenges AI artists and enthusiasts to harness their creativity and technological expertise to visualize and depict a sustainable future. Participants are tasked with creating original artworks that reflect the UN SDGs through the lens of AI. The winner will be revealed at the AI for Good Global Summit 2024 in Geneva on May 30-31, providing them with a remarkable platform to present their vision to global leaders and innovators committed to sustainability.

Frederic Werner’s discussions over the years illustrate a consistent and strategic approach to leveraging AI for global benefit. By prioritizing inclusivity, practical applications, solid governance, and pioneering technologies like BMIs, the ITU’s AI for Good initiative under Werner’s guidance aims to harness AI’s potential not only for innovation but also for sustainable societal transformation. These annual summits, enriched by Werner’s insights, serve as pivotal milestones in the global conversation regarding AI, striving to align technological progress with human-centric goals and values.

Be sure to register for the AI for Good Global Summit here.

AI for Good Frederic Werner, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
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