AI Governance Alliance calls for inclusive access to advanced artificial intelligence

• Alliance aims to foster ethical AI applications & governance through collaboration 
• AIGA urges experts to improve data quality, customise foundation models for local needs

The AI Governance Alliance (AIGA) released a series of three new reports on advanced artificial intelligence (AI). The papers focus on generative AI governance, unlocking its value and a framework for responsible AI development and deployment.

The alliance brings together governments, businesses and experts to shape responsible AI development applications and governance, and to ensure equitable distribution and enhanced access to this path-departing technology worldwide.

Cathy Li (pic), head, AI, Data and Metaverse, World Economic Forum said the AI Governance Alliance is positioned to play a crucial role in furthering greater access to AI-related resources, thereby contributing to a more equitable and responsible AI ecosystem globally. “We must collaborate among governments, the private sector and local communities to ensure the future of AI benefits all,” she added.

AIGA is calling upon experts from various sectors to address several key areas. This includes improving data quality and availability across nations, boosting access to computational resources, and adapting foundation models to suit local needs and challenges. There is also a strong emphasis on education and the development of local expertise to create and navigate local AI ecosystems effectively. 

Additionally, in line with these goals, there is a need to establish new institutional frameworks and public-private partnerships along with implementing multilateral controls to aid and enhance these efforts.

While AI holds the potential to address global challenges, it also poses risks of widening existing digital divides or creating new ones. These and other topics are explored in a new briefing paper series, released and crafted by AIGA’s three core workstreams, in collaboration with IBM Consulting and Accenture. As AI technology evolves at a rapid pace and developed nations race to capitalise on AI innovation, the urgency to address the digital divide is critical to ensure that billions of people in developing countries are not left behind.

On international cooperation and inclusive access in AI development and deployment, “Generative AI Governance: Shaping Our Collective Global Future” from the Resilient Governance and Regulation track evaluates national approaches, addresses key debates on generative AI, and advocates for international coordination and standards to prevent fragmentation.

“Unlocking Value from Generative AI: Guidance for Responsible Transformation” from the Responsible Applications and Transformation track, provides guidance on the responsible adoption of generative AI, emphasising use case-based evaluation, multistakeholder governance, transparent communication, operational structures, and value-based change management for scalable and responsible integration into organisations.

In addition, for optimised AI development and deployment, a new Presidio “AI Framework: Towards Safe Generative AI Models from the Safe Systems and Technologies” track addresses the need for standardised perspectives on the model lifecycle by creating a framework for shared responsibility and proactive risk management.

AIGA also seeks to mobilise resources for exploring AI benefits in key sectors, including healthcare and education.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications of the United Arab Emirates, said, “As we witness the rapid evolution of artificial Intelligence globally, the UAE stands committed to fostering an inclusive AI environment, both within our nation and throughout the world. Our collaboration with the World Economic Forum's AI Governance Alliance is instrumental in making AI benefits universally accessible, ensuring no community is left behind.” 

“We are dedicated to developing a comprehensive and forward-thinking AI and digital economy roadmap, not just for the UAE but for the global good. This roadmap is a testament to our belief in AI as a tool for universal progress and equality, and it embodies our commitment to a future where technology serves humanity in its entirety,” he added.

Meanwhile, Paula Ingabire, minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation of Rwanda emphasised that the country’s participation in the AI Governance Alliance aims to ensure that Rwanda and the region do not play catch up in shaping the future of AI governance and accessibility. 

“In line with these efforts, Rwanda's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, will host a high-level summit on AI in Africa towards the end of 2024, creating a platform to engage in focused and collaborative dialogue on the role of AI shaping Africa's future. The event's primary goal will be to align African countries on common risks, barriers, and opportunities and, ultimately, devise a unified strategy for AI in Africa,” he added. 

Gary Cohn (pic), IBM vice-chairman said that the company continues to drive responsible AI and governance. “We all have an obligation to collaborate globally across corporations, governments and civil society to create ethical guardrails and policy frameworks that will inform how generative AI is designed and deployed. IBM is proud to work with the Forum’s AI Governance Alliance as the knowledge partner for this paper series,” he added. 

“The evolution of AI is unique in that the technology, regulation and business adoption are all accelerating exponentially at the same time. It’s critical that the public and private sector come together to share insights, resources and best practices for building and scaling AI responsibly. Leaders in this space must prioritize inclusive AI so that the benefits of this technology are shared in all parts of the world, including emerging markets,” Paul Daugherty, chief technology innovation officer, Accenture said.  

He added that the Forum’s three-part briefing paper series offers insightful considerations across responsible applications, governance and safety to empower businesses, respect people and benefit society.