IGF 2023 WS #475 How can AI catalyse progress towards the SGDs?

Subtheme

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Emerging Technologies
Chat GPT, Generative AI, and Machine Learning
Future & Sustainable Work in the World of Generative AI

Organizer 1: Samantha Torrance, Access Partnership
Organizer 2: Paula Rabacov, Access Partnership
Organizer 3: Rodrigo Serrallonga Mejia, Access Partnership

Speaker 1: Giulia Marsan, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Andrew Merluzzi, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Carmen Valderrama, Technical Community, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

Moderator

Samantha Torrance, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Online Moderator

Paula Rabacov, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Rapporteur

Rodrigo Serrallonga Mejia, Private Sector, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

Format

Round Table - 90 Min

Policy Question(s)

A. How are developing countries currently regulating the roll-out of AI? How can governments continue to support private sector-led innovation and investment?

B. Given benchmarks and best-practice in the regulation of other transformative technologies, how can we build a regulatory framework contextually relevant for developing countries that can create a fair, transparent and safe environment for AI innovation and maximise its transformative impact?

C. How can we ensure that developing countries are seated at the table whilst global 'rules of the game’ are being established for AI, thus preventing a worsening of the digital divide?

What will participants gain from attending this session? Due to the diversity of our proposed panel including: a researcher, member of the international development community, former senior government official, and the private sector, participants will benefit from a varied and independent set of perspectives driven by hands-on experience with respect to the adoption of this technology in developing countries. Whilst discussions will inevitably be drawn to the perceived negative elements of AI, the moderator will endeavour to guide the discussion to the opportunity and positive contribution that AI can have, particularly when applied to addressing pressing socio-economic challenges. The moderator also offers experience in designing regulatory frameworks and will be able to guide the participants and audience to a set of actionable recommendations at the end of the session. Following the session, a summary report of recommendations based on the discussion will be circulated.

Description:

Emerging technologies can solve complex problems with unparalleled efficiency. Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to demonstrate how it can be used by economic actors and policymakers to address significant socioeconomic challenges in less time, maximizing resources, and achieving a net positive socio-economic outcome. This ‘intelligence’ is rapidly developing and expanding, but there are significant concerns about how to regulate this transformative technology considering privacy concerns, algorithmic bias and widening of the digital divide, to name a few. Not to mention the potential impact of its adoption on the economy, from both an industry and labour perspective.

The participants will discuss current regulatory practices guiding the adoption of AI within developing and small island states, with a focus on how communities and disadvantaged groups can benefit from this technology. We will consider how the global community can address concerns related to AI adoption and establish robust regulatory frameworks that offer confidence and ensure safety. Finally, we will consider how to ensure that the Global South is actively engaged in global discussions and decisions regarding the technology to ensure the digital divide does not grow.

Expected Outcomes

Expected outcomes include a report providing recommendations on how developing countries can approach the design of an AI regulatory framework that harnesses the innovative and investment opportunities the private sector offers. In addition, options will be presented on how the Global South can strengthen their voice when it comes to AI-related discussions in global fora, bilaterally and with the private sector.

It would also be possible to replicate the panel in jurisdictions where AI is gaining momentum and include the voice of regulators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and disruptive stakeholders. Access Partnership would be open and keen to support and facilitate this initiative.

Hybrid Format: A chat room will be activated before the session and participants will be encouraged to share insights, perspectives and questions prior to the event. The Event organisers will gather these insights and questions, group them, and present them to the speakers as material to which they should prepare their interventions. The Moderator will also capture core themes and questions to pose to the speakers. During the session, this chat function will be managed by the session organisers and relevant questions will be passed to the Moderator to pose to the the Panel.

With a Roundtable approach, we aim to start with 7 minute introductory interventions from the Speakers (not more than 30 mins in total); allowing for questions from the Moderator and in-person and online audiences to be fielded for 50 mins. The final 10 mins will be for closing remarks from the Speakers and the Moderator.