Conference Overview
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, cultural or digital- and ensure that the benefits of AI reach everyone.
The conference will take place on 23-24 October, 2025, the UN Day and 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 sessions planned under the three themes, the conference promises rich discussions and impactful outcomes aimed at fostering an equitable digital future. We are also planning to host a series of pre-, post and side events, workshops and competition (e.g. AIand social innovation competition).
Conference Themes
Participants from across sectors (e.g., academia, civil society, government or industry) are encouraged to respond to our call for proposals of the conference that fall broadly into one or more of the following themes:
- AI Research for Narrowing the Digital Divide: 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: 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: issues related to AI ecosystems, including synergies across different fields and technologies, and frameworks that promote responsible innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Submission Guidelines
We welcome submissions in the following types:
Papers
- This type requires the submission of an abstract for presentation at the conference(pdf format, 500 words with title, co-authors names and affiliations).
- Duration of selected presentations: 15 minutes
- Best submissions will be invited to produce a paper that may be published as a conference proceedings.
- Formats for invited paper submissions (details will be directly to invitees):
1 - Research papers, this type asks for a paper of 12 pages;
2 - Policy case studies or practice guidelines, technology-focused case studies or on relevant projects or practices, this type asks for a paper of 5 pages; - All invited papers will undergo a peer review process.
Full Sessions
- Proposals for a full session centered on a specific topic that falls under the themes of the conference. Submission for this type should be submitted the chair of the session. The chair is responsible for coordinating the session with all members involved, e.g. speakers, moderators or panelists.
- Types of a full session may include:
1 - Symposia with up to 4 presentations on a common topic selected by the chair;
2 - Roundtable or panel discussions;
3 - Demo sessions;
4 - Extended policy case studies - Format for submission: 1 page (pdf format), including a title, keywords, selected conference theme, short description of the session, full information of the chair and speakers including short bios (150 words max) and contact information.
- Duration of a full session: 1 and half hour
Poster Sessions
- This type requires the submission of an abstract for presentation at the conference (pdf format, 500 words with title, co-authors names and affiliations).
- Guidelines will be provided for accepted posters.
- Posters should fall in the conference themes and and showcase innovative projects, case studies or early-stage research
- Dedicated sessions for posters will be available during the conference
- Posters presenters will be required to attend the conference and will be asked to bring a printed version of their posters to the conference.
Submission Portal and Contact Information
All submissions must be made via EasyChair: submission link.
For further inquiries, please contact: aiconference@unu.edu
Important Dates
- Call for Submissions Opens: January 30, 2025
- Abstracts and Full sessions Submission Deadline: April 30, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance into program for presentations, full sessions and posters: June 15th, 2025
- Paper Submission Deadline: July 30th, 2025
- Notification of Papers Acceptance: August 30, 2025
- Conference Date: October 24, 2025
See You in Macau
The UNU Macau AI Conference 2025 is more than just a conference - it is a global call to action to ensure AI is a force for good. By fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and driving innovation, the conference aspires to build a future where AI empowers humanity equitably and sustainably.
Join us on October 24, 2025, as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 50th anniversary of UNU, and contribute to a collective vision for a more equitable digital future.
