The ECOSOC Special Meeting on Artificial Intelligence, set for May 6, 2025, will explore AI’s potential in driving sustainable development, especially in the Global South. The event will feature discussions, videos on AI initiatives, and a collaborative approach to addressing equity and access challenges. Closing remarks will conclude the event aimed at steering future policies on AI.
In a move that signals the growing importance of artificial intelligence, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will convene a Special Meeting on AI slated for May 6, 2025. Set to unfold from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, this gathering promises to be a hub for meaningful dialogue about the future of AI and its implications for sustainable development. Expect to see a mélange of Member States, UN experts, private sector pioneers, and civil society voices coming together to build on discussions from the recently held Summit of the Future.
The meeting’s agenda is ambitious. Participants will grapple with the potential of AI to drive sustainable development, specifically focusing on how strategic investments and international cooperation can uplift foundational needs in the Global South. It’s all part of the broader STI Action Day, blending seamlessly into the 10th Annual Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals, happening May 7-8.
The program kicks off at 3:00 p.m. with introductory remarks from notable figures, including H.E. Mr. Bob Rae, President of ECOSOC, and Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill, the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies. Following that, attendees can expect a fireside chat that highlights emerging AI trends—primarily how these innovations align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A series of short videos showcasing successful AI initiatives from the UN system will also be featured, emphasizing real-world applications of AI in this context.
As the meeting progresses, an interactive discussion is slated to encourage Member States and other participants to engage in dynamic dialogue. Guiding questions such as, “How can AI innovations be scaled to ensure equitable access, especially in developing nations?” will set the stage for policy discussions that aggregate insights from various sectors, ensuring ethical considerations remain critical as AI landscapes evolve.
A second segment of the event will focus specifically on the Global South, moderated by Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union. Key panelists, including experts from Ghana and Microsoft, will tackle questions about barriers hindering economic transformation through AI in developing countries—making it clear that collaboration across sectors is essential.
Closing remarks will wrap up the event around 5:50 p.m., marking yet another significant step toward addressing the pressing need for equitable AI solutions globally. And for those invested in the intersection of AI and societal good, don’t miss the “AI for Good Lab” side event earlier that same day, running from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Conference Room 8, UN Headquarters. This not-to-miss gathering could shape strategic directions for AI’s role in sustainable development well into the future.
Upcoming discussions at the ECOSOC Special Meeting on AI are shaping up to be crucial for bridging gaps in global dialogue about technology and equity in sustainable development. With a focus on collaboration between governments, private sectors, and civil society, the event aims to drive actionable solutions that respond to the unique challenges faced by the Global South. The insights gleaned here could potentially steer policy pathways toward a more inclusive digital economy.
Original Source: ecosoc.un.org