Unveiling UK’s AI Potential for Global Development at the United Nations

The UK’s Vision for Leveraging AI’s Potential in Impoverished Nations

The UK is actively promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate development in impoverished nations, particularly in Africa. This vision was shared by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly during the UN General Assembly (UNGA), where he called for international collaboration to leverage AI for development and achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The ‘AI for Development’ Program

• The UK is launching the ‘AI for Development’ program in partnership with Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
• The program aims to build local AI capabilities and foster innovation in developing countries, with a primary focus on Africa.

AI Event at the UN General Assembly

• The UK is co-convening an event on AI during the margins of the UN General Assembly, chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
• The event will bring together governments, tech companies, and NGOs to explore how AI can expedite progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Complex Risk Analytics Fund (CRAF’d)

• The UK is committing £1 million to the Complex Risk Analytics Fund, in collaboration with international partners.
• This fund will utilize AI to prevent crises before they occur, provide assistance during emergencies, and support countries in their recovery towards sustainable development.

The UK’s Commitment to AI Innovation

The UK’s efforts to leverage AI for development reflect its broader commitment to employ AI innovation in tackling global challenges, including the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly emphasizes the immense potential of AI in various areas, such as speeding up drug discovery, developing new treatments, and addressing food insecurity.

Collaboration between IDRC and UK FCDO

Julie Delahanty, President of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), expresses satisfaction with the collaboration between IDRC and the UK FCDO. She highlights the AI for Development program’s ability to reduce inequalities, address poverty, improve food systems, confront climate change challenges, make education more inclusive, and mitigate risks.

The World’s First Major AI Safety Summit

The UK will host the world’s first major AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire from 1-2 November 2023. This summit aims to gather international consensus on the urgency of implementing safety measures in cutting-edge AI technology.