Experts from across the globe have gathered in Geneva this week for a summit on how articificial intelligence (AI) can be employed to help tackle such global issues as eliminating poverty and protecting the environment.
The AI for Global Good Summit, organised by the UN International Telecommunications Union and the XPRIZE Foundation with support from 20 UN agencies, will look at how AI can contribute to the pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is also expected to consider the challenges and ethical issues which AI raises including cybersecurity, human rights and privacy.
In a video message recorded for the summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said artificial intelligence has the potential “to accelerate progress towards a dignified life, in peace and prosperity, for all people”.
“The time has arrived for all of us – governments, industry and civil society – to consider how AI will affect our future…” he said. “This summit can help ensure that artificial intelligence charts a course that benefits humanity and bolsters our shared values.”
The summit runs until Friday.
