1. Key Policy Questions and related issues:
What societal and economic benefits are enabled by the trustworthy use of AI in global public emergencies?
How should these benefits be weighed against the need to protect fundamental rights?
What are the key challenges and possible solutions for AI and Big Data governance?
2. Summary of Issues Discussed:
There was broad support for the view that AI and Big Data can provide innovations and opportunities in epidemic preparedness and response. Good application cases were introduced during the presentations. Panellists also agreed that although AI system and Big Data played a key role in combating COVID-19, they inevitably created some new problems. Especially, challenges of AI and Big Data Governance are well identified. Therefore, panellists reached a consensus on the great significance of mapping some good governance models of AI and Big Data to maximize their benefits. Moreover, they agreed that a synergy of global partnership is required on AI, both for its technical development and for its governance. Further discussions are needed on the detailed description for implementation at the operational level.
7. Reflection to Gender Issues:
The discussion at this session concerns every stakeholder involved in the field of AI and Big Data, including citizens, scientists, policy makers, public and private sectors, civil society organizations, academia and research institutions and so forth. It did not directly address issues related to gender equality and/or women’s empowerment. Recommendations were put forward on how to establish effective AI policy and good governance models, as well as how to improve data management, which should be applied to people in general, regardless of their gender.