The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is collaborating with Turkmenistan to formulate a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy. This initiative aims to leverage AI for sustainable digital transformation across various sectors and contribute to achieving the country's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The strategy development involves a multi-stakeholder approach, encompassing government, academia, civil society, and the private sector in Turkmenistan. Why it matters: This effort reflects a global trend where international organizations support nations in developing comprehensive AI frameworks to drive economic growth and societal progress.
MBZUAI's BiMediX2, a bilingual healthcare multi-modal model, won Meta's Llama Impact Innovation Award for its potential in solving healthcare accessibility challenges across the Middle East and Africa. Built using Llama 3.1, the model understands medical queries in both English and Arabic, interprets medical images, and is integrated as a chatbot on Telegram with speech functionality. The model was also presented at the AI for Sustainable Development Platform Launch Event and integrated into the UNDP for telemedicine. Why it matters: The model's bilingual capabilities and accessibility on low-cost devices and speech-based interaction have potential to improve healthcare access for marginalized populations in the region.
MBZUAI and the UNDP have partnered to advance the use of AI for sustainable development, with MBZUAI becoming the founding knowledge partner for the UNDP’s AI for Sustainable Development Platform (AI4SDP). The partnership, formalized at the World Governments Summit 2024, will focus on environmental resilience, water resources management, climate adaptation, social cohesion, and reducing inequalities. MBZUAI will contribute climate research, use cases, and scenarios to the AI4SDP for implementation in the real world. Why it matters: This collaboration signifies a commitment to leveraging AI for addressing critical global challenges and sustainable development goals in the Arab region.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is actively supporting Turkmenistan's national initiatives to formulate its Artificial Intelligence Strategy. This collaboration aims to leverage AI as a tool for driving sustainable development and diversifying the national economy. The UNDP provides technical expertise and facilitates knowledge exchange to aid Turkmenistan in this strategic planning process. Why it matters: This initiative marks a crucial step for Turkmenistan in establishing a comprehensive framework for AI integration, which could significantly impact its future technological advancement and economic landscape.
Mauritius has officially launched its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, aiming to guide the country's AI development and adoption. Alongside the strategy, the nation also introduced FAIR (Fairness, Accountability, Inclusivity, and Responsibility) Guidelines for AI. These initiatives received support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Why it matters: This step demonstrates a proactive approach to AI governance and ethical development in a developing nation, potentially setting a precedent for similar frameworks in the region.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting Mauritius in developing its national Artificial Intelligence strategy through a broad stakeholder engagement process. This initiative involves consultations with government bodies, the private sector, academia, and civil society to ensure the strategy aligns with national priorities and ethical considerations. The collaboration aims to foster a comprehensive framework for the responsible development and deployment of AI in Mauritius. Why it matters: This demonstrates a growing trend among developing nations, often with international support, to formulate national AI policies that guide technological advancement and promote responsible innovation.
KAUST, in partnership with UNDP Saudi Arabia and Frontiers for Young Minds, has launched "The SDG Collection" to promote scientific and sustainability literacy among children. The collection will feature articles about each of the 17 SDGs in the open-access journal Frontiers for Young Minds, with contributions from KAUST researchers. The initiative includes an interactive peer-review process involving students from local schools like The KAUST School and will be translated into Arabic. Why it matters: This project enhances accessibility to complex scientific concepts for Arabic-speaking children and supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by inspiring future generations toward sustainable development.
Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will host a workshop on using artificial intelligence to solve development problems. The workshop aims to bring together experts and practitioners to explore AI applications. It will focus on identifying opportunities for AI to address challenges in various sectors. Why it matters: This event signals growing interest in leveraging AI for social good and development across the Arab region.