UK Promotes AI’s Role in International Development at UN

The UK is advocating for the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance development in the world’s poorest countries during the UN General Assembly (UNGA). This vision, presented by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to harness AI for development, particularly in Africa, while also progressing toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In line with this initiative, the UK is launching the ‘AI for Development’ program in partnership with Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The primary goal of this program is to help developing nations, especially in Africa, build local AI capabilities and stimulate innovation.

This announcement coincides with the UK’s co-hosting of a focused session on AI during the UN General Assembly. This high-level event, chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will bring together governments, tech firms, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to discuss AI’s potential to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. These goals aim to foster a healthier, more equitable, and prosperous planet by 2030.

Additionally, the UK is committing £1 million to establish the Complex Risk Analytics Fund (‘CRAF’d’), which will leverage AI to prevent crises and support countries during emergencies in their recovery towards sustainable development.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated, “The opportunity of AI is immense. It has already been shown to speed up drug discovery, help develop new treatments for common diseases, and predict food insecurity—to name only a few uses. The UK, along with our allies and partners, is ensuring that the benefits of this potential are shared globally. As AI continues to rapidly evolve, we require a global approach to harness its capabilities in addressing shared human challenges.”

Julie Delahanty, the President of the IDRC, expressed enthusiasm over the collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), noting, “IDRC is delighted to announce a new partnership with FCDO, a vital ally in tackling pressing development challenges. The AI for Development program will enhance existing partnerships, utilizing AI to decrease inequalities, combat poverty, improve food systems, address climate change issues, and promote inclusive education while also reducing risks.”

This announcement highlights the UK’s broader commitment to employ AI innovations in tackling various global issues, including the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Furthermore, the UK will host the world’s first significant AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire on November 1-2, 2023. This summit aims to foster international agreement on the essential need for safety measures in advanced AI technologies.

For more insights on AI and big data from industry leaders, consider attending the AI & Big Data Expo happening in Amsterdam, California, and London. This extensive event will run concurrently with Digital Transformation Week.

Kingdoms, states, and regions around the world include various nations such as the United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu. Other notable mentions are Venezuela, Vietnam, the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Special territories like the Åland Islands are also included.

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