The Global Governance Institute invites you to a roundtable discussion on “AI for Global Sustainable Development”.
Following the conclusion of the UN Summit of the Future, and the adoption of the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, it has become clear that AI technologies are increasingly considered indispensable tools for influencing the trajectory of economic and social progress across the world. As AI technologies continue to evolve, they offer unprecedented opportunities to address complex global challenges. However, without thoughtful consideration and strategic implementation, there is a risk of exacerbating existing current problems and creating new ethical dilemmas.
GGI’s Medlir Mema (Head of Program for AI and Global Governance) will be joined by Elena Ardelean (Founder, AI for Development Agency), Caryn Lusinchi (GGI Senior Fellow) and Melanie Rideout (GGI Fellow) to explore both how AI can be a force for good, driving sustainable and inclusive growth, and ensuring a just transition in the era of digital transformation, as well as to raise concerns about ways in which AI can exacerbate wealth disparity, contribute to environmental degradation, and hinder progress on sustainable development goals by reinforcing existing unsustainable practices.
15:30 Registrations open (in person)
15:45 Online registrations open
16:00 Welcome and Aims of the Roundtable (M. Mema)
16:05 "UN Summit of the Future and Development: The Way Forward" (M. Mema)
16:15 "Can Sovereign AI Make Generative AI More Equitable?" (C. Lusinchi)
16:25 "Ethical AI Approaches to the SDGs" (M. Rideout)
16:35 "Harness the Past, Build the Present and Plan the Future: a Matrix for Inclusive AI in Sustainable Development" (E. Ardelean)
16:45 Discussion and remarks
17:25 Conclusion
17:30 Light reception and networking
Prof. Medlir Mema is the Head of Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Global Governance at the Global Governance Institute. He is also Professor of International Relations at the Brigham Young University Idaho in the United States. Previously, he was an Associate Professor of Political Science at Tokyo International University in Japan, Adjunct Faculty at Vesalius College, and a Senior Associate Researcher at the Institute for European Studies - VUB in Brussels, Belgium. Medlir holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the George Washington University, and a MA in European Studies and International Economics from Johns Hopkins University—School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). As co-founder and co-host of the “Age of AI” podcast, Medlir spends a lot of time, reading, researching, writing, and discussing topics related to the impact of emerging technologies, including AI on global governance and the future of education.
Caryn Lusinchi is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow in the AI and Global Governance section. Caryn stands at the forefront of AI governance and risk management, most recently supporting the US Federal Government in line with the President's Executive Order 14110, OMB 24-10 and NIST AI Risk Management 1.0 and 2.0 frameworks, to foster safe and trustworthy AI development in the US. A globally recognized speaker and thought leader, Caryn is also FHCA certified under the EU AI Act, GDPR, and NYC Bias Law, with a specialized certificate in the Foundations of Independent Audit of AI Systems (FIAAIS).
Elena Ardelean is a seasoned international leader in Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, and innovation. With over 12 years of experience, she has spearheaded strategic reforms and technological advancements across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. As the Head of Digital Transformation and Innovation at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Elena advised high-ranking government officials on digital development, AI adoption, and public sector innovation. At Dalberg, she championed AI applications in agriculture, health, and education across Africa. Her earlier roles at the World Bank and European Investment Bank focused on public sector reforms in Europe, Central Asia, and the MENA regions. Elena also co-chaired the UN initiative 'United for Smart Sustainable Cities' experts' group on AI governance and founded AI4DA, a non-profit empowering youth through AI education and research.
Melanie Rideout is a Fellow in the AI and Global Governance section. She brings almost a decade of professional experience in sustainability, climate and humanitarian / development work. Her current professional focus is on green tech and sustainable finance. Melanie has a Masters in Environmental science from Uppsala University, and a diploma in AI & Business from Hyperisland. Her areas of interest are in advocacy, governance, just transitions and climate justice. Melanie is co-host of the Mad & Dumb Podcast, and advises for Mastercard Lighthouse's accelerator programme.
The GGI Roundtable will take place on 24 October 2024, both in-person in Brussels and online via Zoom. Attendance is free, but due to limited availability, registration will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
In-person Venue: Global Governance Institute, Cours Saint Michel 30A, Brussels 1040, Belgium (Securex Building, 2nd Floor)
For those attending in person, the event will be followed by a light reception, offering an opportunity for informal networking.
We encourage you to secure your place early. Detailed instructions for Zoom access will be provided to online participants upon confirmation of registration.
