The UNU Macau AI Conference 2025 concluded on October 24 at the Galaxy International Convention Center with Galaxy Entertainment Group as the venue sponsor, bringing together over 500 participants from more than 30 countries to explore the future of artificial intelligence under the theme “AI for Humanity: Building an Equitable Digital Future.” The event marked a key milestone in the UNU Macau Milestone Series, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 50th anniversary of the United Nations University.
The conference convened 150+ speakers from academia, government, industry, and civil society. The program featured 30 sessions selected from nearly 300 global submissions, reflecting the urgency and diversity of perspectives needed to shape AI systems that serve all of humanity—especially communities in the Global South.
Opening the conference, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector and UN Under-Secretary-General, emphasized the need for inclusive governance frameworks that safeguard human dignity while enabling technological progress: “these events form a cohesive platform to convene ideas, transfer knowledge to younger generations, and catalyze AI-driven solutions for the challenges we face, from climate resilience to digital inclusion, from governance to education. ”
“Together, these milestones remind us that our shared progress must be anchored in shared purpose, global responsibility and a long term vision,” said Amandeep Singh Gill, UN USG and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, “This series is an essential contribution to that vision, bringing together diverse voices to reflect, reimagine, and recommit to digital innovation that serves humanity.”
Dr. Vincent U, representative of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government and president of the Administrative Committee of the Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT), remarked: “Today’s conference, with its focus on inclusive AI governance, youth empowerment, and innovation, is a platform for strategic dialogue, and for shaping technologies for a better future.”
Mr. Philip Cheng, Director of Galaxy Entertainment Group, said, “On behalf of Galaxy Entertainment Group, we are honored to co-host the conference at the Galaxy International Convention Center as the venue sponsor, and support meaningful dialogue on AI’s role in shaping a more inclusive future. As part of Macau’s integrated tourism and leisure industry, we are committed to advancing smart technologies that drive innovation across the sector. We also champion youth education through various initiatives, such as this year’s ‘AI and Youth’ session with UNU Macau, aimed at equipping the next generation with the skills and mindset for a digitally empowered future.”
Jingbo Huang, Director of UNU Macau, said, “There will be 30 parallel and 5 keynote sessions, discussing AI + health, education, youth, employment, law, policy making, climate, and more. We are honored to bring together 150+ speakers from 30+ countries, joined by nearly 300 students from the Greater Bay Area. You will hear voices from academia, private sector, governments, UN and civil society, particularly those from the Global South. We will also showcase Macau’s AI development through case sessions, and youth engagement.”
High-Level Keynotes Set Strategic Direction
Keynote speakers offered a clear framework for AI development that balances ethical imperatives with practical deployment, reinforcing the importance of global cooperation and regional leadership.
Keynote speakers included Prof. Benjamin Rosman (University of the Witwatersrand), Prof. Simon See (NVIDIA), and Prof. Virginia Dignum (Umeå University), whose remarks underscored the need for global cooperation and interdisciplinary approaches to AI governance.
Launch of the UNU Book Series on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development
A major highlight of the conference was the launch of the UNU Book Series on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development, published in collaboration with Springer, a part of Springer Nature.
“This series will serve as a platform for research and policy exchange at the intersection of AI and global sustainability,” said Prof. Marwala.
“The Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development series explores how AI can be harnessed responsibly, ethically, and inclusively to advance the SDGs”, said Niels Peter Thomas, Executive Vice President, books, Springer Nature, “Progress must be rooted in human values, in creativity, ethics, and imagination.”
“Our commitment extends beyond this conference,” added Jingbo Huang, Director of UNU Macau. “We are building a knowledge ecosystem that empowers inclusive innovation across borders.”
The series will feature contributions from leading scholars, technologists, and practitioners, including outcomes from the 2025 conference.
Achieving AI for Humanity
The conference was structured around three thematic pillars, each designed to translate global priorities into actionable insights:
AI Research for Narrowing the Digital Divide
This pillar explored how academic research can inform policy and practice to address inequalities in access, opportunity, and resilience. Highlighted sessions included: AI’s Impact on Employment and Livelihoods in the Global South, Climate Change, Human Security, and AI Ethics, Integrating AI with Complex Systems Modelling to Achieve the SDGs.
Inclusiveness and Capacity Building in the AI Era
This track focused on empowering communities through education, training, and inclusive design. Highlighted sessions included: Galaxy Entertainment Group Presents UNU Macau AI Conference 2025 Session: AI + Youth, AI, Peacebuilding, and Digital Inclusion, Citizen Science, Participation, and AI, AI Media, Communication, and Education, Youth Digital Literacy and Generative AI in Higher Education.
Navigating the AI Ecosystem through Synergies and Interdisciplinary Innovation
This pillar examined the evolving AI landscape, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration and responsible innovation. Highlighted sessions included: Interoperability in AI Safety Governance, Measuring AI's Environmental Cost, Agentic AI and Urban Modeling for Inclusive and Sustainable Futures.
Macau as a Platform for Regional Innovation
Macau’s growing role as a regional AI hub was spotlighted throughout the program. The session “AI-powered Applications in Macau,” chaired by Samuel Chan, President of the Macao Computer Society, showcased local case studies in autonomous driving, respiratory disease surveillance, and epidemic intelligence.
Galaxy Entertainment Group Presents UNU Macau AI Conference 2025 Session: AI + Youth. This session featured four pioneering initiatives that place young people at the center of inclusive, ethical, and accessible AI education and governance. From gamified learning to critical pedagogy, each presentation highlighted how youth-led and youth-focused approaches are reshaping the future of AI. In addition, Galaxy Entertainment Group also introduced its programs and achievements in supporting young people in technological development. Over the years, Galaxy Entertainment Group has actively supported the Macau SAR Government’s “Macau Thrives on Education” and “Building Macau through Talent Training” policies, committing its long-term investment in youth talent cultivation and contributing to Macau’s innovation and diversification strategy.
The UNU Macau AI Conference 2025 was supported by British Consulate General Hong Kong, Chunlai Education Group, Fengrui (Guangdong) Energy Holdings Co., Ltd., HKUST IEMS, Keyland Foundation, MGM, and SenseTime.
Learn more about the conference: https://unu.edu/macau/aiconf2025
Contact us: aiconference@unu.edu
Media contact: Mr. Qian Dai, Communications and External Relations Officer, UNU Macau, dai@unu.edu
