The United Nations University Global Artificial Intelligence Network (UNU Global AI Network) is officially launched at the UNU Macau AI Conference 2024. The Network aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by AI on a global scale.
The UNU Global AI Network represents a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the UNU and its partners. This network is envisioned as a comprehensive global platform, uniting the expertise of academia, the innovation of the private sector, the foresight of policymakers, and the grassroots engagement of civil society.
The UNU Global AI Network is dedicated to fostering collaborative efforts. Through partnerships within the network, it strives to develop and implement innovative solutions, including commitments, science-based policy recommendations, and advanced technological tools. These efforts are aimed at promoting a people-centric and sustainable digital future, with a particular focus on empowering the Global South.
The UNU Global AI Network features more than 40 founding members from over 19 countries and regions, encompassing governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society organizations. A full list of members is available here.
The launching ceremony was attended by over 30 network members, including representatives from the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication of Cambodia, Macau University of Science and Technology, Institute for AI International Governance of Tsinghua University, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, African Society in Digital Sciences, Chunlai Education, MGM, Tencent, SenseTime, and Venture Cup China.
“The UNU Global AI Network will serve as a dynamic platform for sharing AI knowledge and insights, thereby enhancing the application of AI technologies in promoting sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations,” remarked Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of UNU and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the launching ceremony.
Video: Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy of the United Nations
Mr. Guy Bernard Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Policy of the United Nations, congratulated the launch of the UNU Global AI Network, noting that “it has the potential to bring together experts from many sectors to discuss issues and challenges related to AI and to develop solutions.”
A collaboration pledge was signed between the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM Global) and the UNU Global AI Network during the launching ceremony. AIM Global, the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing, is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together the private sector, academia, government, and civil society to catalyze the integration of AI for sustainable industrial development. This collaboration also marks a new chapter in the collaboration between the UNU and its partners.
