On July 17th, the AI for Developing Countries Forum was held at the United Nations Office in Vienna, focusing on the theme “Fair AI for a Fair World.” This seminal event brought together experts, policymakers, and innovators from around the globe to tackle the crucial issue of bridging digital divides and promoting inclusive AI development.
The forum commenced with a stirring address by Tianze Zhang, who highlighted the pressing need to harness AI’s potential to promote global equity. Andrea A. Jacobs followed with the announcement of the Third AI for Developing Countries Forum, scheduled for 2025, reaffirming the ongoing commitment to this significant conversation. Dr. Wendy O’Brien from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime delivered an engaging presentation on the nexus of human rights and AI, underscoring the critical role of ethical considerations in technological progress.
In the morning sessions, Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa from UNIDO delivered a keynote exploring AI’s transformative impact on industrial development, especially in emerging economies. Ambassador Magdi Ahmed Mofadal Elnour provided a vital perspective on AI’s influence on Less Developed Countries, igniting discussions about the opportunities and challenges these nations face in the AI-driven era. 
Throughout the day, a series of panel discussions addressed key topics such as AI for Inclusive and Sustainable Development, Data Sovereignty in AI, Democratizing AI in Emerging Economies, and AI Governance in the Global South. These discussions brought together diverse viewpoints, fostering robust debates on how to ensure AI benefits all nations equitably.
In the afternoon, presentations by Roland Fadrany on Federated Data Infrastructures and Daniel Ojdanic on Enterprise Competitiveness in the AI Era offered practical strategies for developing countries to leverage AI while safeguarding their interests and encouraging local innovation.
The forum concluded with an interactive free discussion session, allowing participants to share their unique insights on AI in developing nations. This collaborative dialogue emphasized the collective responsibility to shape an AI future that bridges global divides rather than exacerbating them.
As the first day of the forum concluded, it was evident that the event successfully brought together diverse perspectives to address the complex challenges of AI development in the Global South. The discussions highlighted the need for inclusive strategies, ethical governance, and international cooperation to ensure AI becomes a force for global equity and sustainable development.
