LocationsUNDP Serbia at Data Science Conference Europe 2024
How is International Collaboration on AI Shaping Sustainable Development?
November 25, 2024
Belgrade, November 21, 2024 - Panel discussion “How is international collaboration on AI shaping sustainable development?”, at this year's Data Science Conference (DSC) Europe 2024 brought together ambassadors and diplomatic corps from relevant European countries and Brazil to discuss equality, security, and the future of AI.
The ambassadors talked about their countries' experiences in using AI, priority areas for its future application for the benefit of citizens, as well as potential risks associated with AI and how to address them.
The panel opened with speeches by Yakup Beris, Resident Representative of UNDP in Serbia, Mr. Dominic Otway, Deputy Ambassador to the British Embassy Belgrade, and H.E. Emanuele Giaufret, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union.
“Artificial intelligence can significantly improve our lives through the application of new technologies in medicine, education, economy, transport, security and other areas. It can also serve policy makers and we should focus on ensuring sustainability, equality, data protection, environmental protection and greater participation of women in sectors related to these technologies”, stated Mr. Beris.
He added that it is necessary to pay attention to security, the issue of misuse, and the direction of new technologies to ensure they serve solely for the benefit of humanity.
Deputy Ambassador at the British Embassy in Belgrade, Dominic Otway, stated that the focus of all policy makers and other participants in the field of new technologies should be on increasing the participation of women in order to ensure equality and sustainability.
“Artificial intelligence should serve us all by helping us save valuable time on tasks that require more effort and advancing key areas such as medicine, education and security. But we also need to be aware of the dangers of AI misuse,” emphasised Mr. Otway, adding that AI learns from us and imitates us, and that it is up to us to determine the direction of its use.
H.E. Emanuele Giaufret explained that the world is at a crossroads in terms of AI and numerous challenges that need to be addressed and added: “Artificial intelligence can and will shape our future and we need to steer its development. International cooperation and exchange of experiences are essential, and we must ensure equality, sustainability and security”.
He highlighted that the European Union has launched numerous initiatives, research and programmes within its strategy to develop AI and tools that ensure the safety of all users. Regarding Serbia, he also praised the introduction of legal regulations and the adoption of the national AI strategy, which contains clear guidelines for the application, development and control of AI.
“Italy is focussing on enhancing human potential through AI applications for the common good. Key areas include the digitalisation of public administration, AI research and development and the mitigation of potential risks”, explained H.E. Luca Gori.
H.E. Anke Konrad emphasised that Germany focuses on data and that without it, all efforts would be in vain. In this context, she mentioned the Data Lab and the use of AI by the police to solve crimes. She also referred to the use of AI in visa authorisation, which greatly facilitates the work of administrative officials.
“Sweden has invested considerable resources to ensure competitiveness in the field of AI on the European and global market”, H.E. Charlotte Sammelin pointed out. She also referred to the use of AI in the judiciary, where tools for the automatic translation of legal and court texts have significantly improved practises and led to considerable savings. Another example was the use of chatbots in the healthcare sector, which help patients and facilitate the work of medical staff.
H.E. Pierre Cochard mentioned that France is focussing on research and innovation. The application of AI in various fields, such as transport, medicine, defence and the digitalisation of public administration, has led to significant results. He referred to the use of AI in tax administration, where the technology has contributed significantly to the prevention of fraud.
H.E. José Mauro da Fonseca Costa Couto emphasised that Brazil values equality, justice and responsibility in the development of new technologies. He highlighted Brazil's plans to unify data in a single system and develop regional data centres to address specific challenges such as droughts, floods and other extreme weather conditions.
H.E. Luca Gori, Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Anke Konrad, Ambassador of Germany, H.E. Charlotte Sammelin, Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Pierre Cochard, Ambassador of France, and H.E. José Mauro da Fonseca Costa Couto, Ambassador of Brazil, took part in the subsequent panel discussion.
Regarding the challenges facing the world in the field of AI, panellists highlighted the importance of new regulations, working on data protection and addressing issues of misinformation and misuse. They emphasised the need for greater equality, the inclusion of women in new technology sectors and the reduction of emissions and energy costs associated with the use of AI. The panellists concluded that although AI harbours risks, it can be a powerful tool in the service of humanity, provided its development and application is properly managed.
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