The rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have not only provided the world with immense opportunities, but also raised the alarm on its potential to impact our safety, security and equality. At the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau), we seek to address a crucial question: How can we ensure AI serves humanity equitably and responsibly?
Building on the success of our 2023 World Data Forum Macau Satellite Event and 2024 UNU Macau AI Conference, the UNU Macau AI Conference 2025 will convene thought leaders, innovators and stakeholders under the theme AI for Humanity: Building an Equitable Digital Future. Our conference aims to bridge divides - whether geographic, economic, or cultural - and ensure that the benefits of AI reach everyone.
The conference will take place on October 23-24, 2025, a symbolic date commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 50th anniversary of UNU.
This global gathering is expected to welcome around 500 participants from across the world, including high-level keynote speakers and representatives from academia, industry, government, and civil society. With approximately 30 sessions planned under the three thematic pillars, the conference promises rich discussions and impactful outcomes aimed at fostering an equitable digital future.
Three thematic Pillars
- AI Research for Narrowing the Digital Divide: Explore research and academic studies that drive actionable insights and policy recommendations, such as on AI’s impact on employment, livelihoods, climate change, human security and ethics.
- Inclusiveness and Capacity Building in the AI Era: Foster capacity building initiatives and collaborations to ensure AI technologies are accessible and beneficial to all communities, showcasing success stories where governments, organizations, and communities have united to ensure AI's benefits are accessible and inclusive.
- Navigating the AI Ecosystem through Synergies and Interdisciplinary Innovation: Examine issues related to AI ecosystems, including synergies across different fields and technologies, and to develop frameworks that promote responsible innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Why Join Us?
- True to the UN’s Ethos: Rooted in the principles of the United Nations, this conference actively promotes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and prioritizes the principle of "leaving no one behind." The conference brings the Global Digital Compact in action, furthering its goals of bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to digital technologies.
- Bridging Global Divides: Strategically located in Macau, the conference highlights perspectives and innovations from across the Global North and South, and the Cultural East and West, fostering a truly global dialogue.
- Diverse Stakeholder Engagement: Bringing together policymakers, academics, industries, communities and the youth, this event inspires interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration.
- Interactive Formats: Featuring panel discussions, workshops, and side events, participants will engage actively, ensuring immersive experience and diverse takeaways.
Explore Further
We invite you to explore more about our conference and its outcomes.
