Common AI framework key to future development |
At the just-concluded G20 summit in South Africa, where the agenda was themed “solidarity, equality, sustainability”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a “global AI compact” to ensure AI is human-centred, open-source, and inclusive. This signals a meaningful shift in how technology is being tied to development and equity — and its transition from being a blue sky, futuristic buzzword.
AI is an important tool for development efforts — a new tool in addressing the old challenges. With inclusive design, they can leapfrog solutions to legacy constraints. Take health care for instance. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021, roughly 4.5 billion people globally — i.e., close to half of the world’s population — did not have access to essential health services. Personalised AI-based health chats can extend coverage to such populations. AI’s potential is also realised in smarter and equitable management of resources. Whether it is energy-grids, water supply, disaster risk management, fraud detection, AI can optimise, predict, and automate for efficiency, accessibility and affordability.
One of the biggest applications of the AI compact to assure equity and solidarity in........