The AI for Developing Countries Forum concluded its second day at the United Nations Office in Vienna, under the theme “AI Justice for All: Voices of Change.” This pivotal event brought together a distinguished group of experts, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to address the critical issues of digital inclusivity and equitable AI development.
Morning Session Highlights
The day commenced with a compelling address by Andrea A. Jacobs, Crown Counsel from the Ministry of Legal Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda. Her presentation, titled “When AI Meets Island Time: Amplifying Developing Voices in Global AI Governance,” emphasized the essential role that small island states and developing nations play in shaping ethical AI frameworks, challenging the notion that AI progress is solely driven by major technology corporations.
Following Jacobs, Philip Hackett of the Geneva International Dispute Resolution Institute examined AI’s potential to transform justice systems in developing nations, discussing both the opportunities and challenges inherent in resource-constrained environments. 
A panel discussion titled “Transforming Justice with AI: Balancing Opportunities and Challenges” featured contributions from legal professionals and technology experts, exploring how AI can enhance judicial efficiency and accessibility while addressing concerns related to fairness, transparency, and ethical implementation.
Muhammad Zuhaili, Executive Chairman of the International Islamic Youth League Asia, presented on “Technology Should Serve Humanity: From Code to Compassion,” highlighting the importance of integrating human values and empathy into AI development.
Another panel addressed “Integrating AI Design Principles into Digital Inclusion, Employment Transformation, and Legal Protection in Developing Countries,” focusing on the ethical considerations and sectoral impacts of AI implementation.
The morning sessions concluded with Poncelet Ileleji, Chairman of Jokkolabs Banjul Association, presenting on “AI Deficit: Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure and Education Challenges in Developing Countries.” Ileleji underscored the technological divide and its implications for AI advancement in less developed regions.
Afternoon Session Highlights
The afternoon began with a discussion on “Digital Justice 2.0: How AI is Revolutionizing Legal Aid Systems in Developing Countries,” which explored strategies for utilizing AI to bridge gaps in justice and empower marginalized communities.
Xingweilin Ji from the AI for Developing Countries Forum presented “Voices from the Ground Up: How Developing Nations are Reimagining AI Governance Through Local Innovation,” showcasing grassroots initiatives that offer innovative perspectives on ethical AI deployment.
A panel titled “Grassroots Innovations Shaping AI Governance – Elevating Diverse Perspectives from Developing Countries” included experts from international organizations, legal firms, and impact-driven enterprises, discussing community-based approaches to AI governance.
Wisdom Addo, Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Peace Foundation, addressed “From Grassroots to AI: Innovative Approaches to Peacebuilding in Developing Nations,” exploring AI’s potential role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Anders Frantzen, Programme Officer at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), delivered remarks on how AI could address challenges within UNODC’s scope, such as crime prevention and drug control in developing countries.
AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration: A Blueprint for Inclusive AI
At the conclusion of the forum, participants collaboratively formulated the “AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration,” a comprehensive framework outlining key aspects of AI development and governance in developing countries. This declaration represents a unified commitment to ensuring that AI technologies contribute to equitable progress globally. The declaration encompasses ten principal points:
- Public-Private Collaboration for Inclusive Development
- Amplifying Developing Countries’ Voices in Global AI Governance
- Cross-Sector Efforts to Bridge the AI Divide
- Balanced Regulatory Frameworks
- Leveraging AI for Peace and Development
- Promoting Inclusive Global AI Governance
- Ensuring Data Sovereignty and Ethical AI Frameworks
- Valuing Local Innovation and Grassroots Approaches
- Prioritizing AI Education and Capacity Building
- Embracing a Human-Centric AI Development Philosophy
The forum concluded with closing remarks from Andrea A. Jacobs and Tianze Zhang, summarizing the key discussions and outlining the path forward. Zhang emphasized that the “Vienna Consensus” is not merely a document but a collective commitment to realizing the vision of fair AI and empowering global communities.
Looking ahead, the third AI for Developing Countries Forum has been scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, in Geneva. This upcoming event will expand its scope to include a series of smaller meetings and dialogues, fostering deeper exchanges between businesses and governments.
The AI for Developing Countries Forum in Vienna has set a new standard for inclusive AI development and governance. By convening stakeholders from over 50 countries and producing the “AIFOD Vienna Forum Declaration,” the forum has made significant strides toward ensuring that AI’s transformative power benefits all nations, particularly those in development. This event marks the beginning of a concerted global effort to harness AI’s potential for the advancement of developing nations and, by extension, the entire world.
