Harnessing AI for Sustainable Development: Key Takeaways from the 8th Regional Symposium on Effective Governance and AI Transformation
November 19, 2024
DPIDG/UNPOG organized the 8th Regional Symposium on Effective Governance and AI Transformation for the 2030 Agenda, which concluded successfully on 1 November 2024. The Regional Symposium attracted 1,563 participants, with recorded sessions accumulating over 1,057 views to date, and in-person attendance saw a notable increase.
The Symposium underscored AI’s transformative potential in advancing public service delivery and highlighted essential priorities for leveraging AI technology to accelerate progress toward the SDGs. Discussions stressed that AI can significantly enhance government functions and accelerate SDG progress; however, this requires inclusive governance, affordable access, and bridging digital divides. A central theme was the importance of global and regional collaboration in AI governance, particularly through public-private partnerships to ensure safe, competitive, and trustworthy AI use.
The Symposium also highlighted the need for an ethical and responsible approach to the use of AI, with participants calling for comprehensive regulatory frameworks to ensure AI practices respect human rights and promote AI for the common good. The draft outcome is available on the 8th Regional Symposium webpage or click the link here.
