The World Economic Forum (WEF) Artificial Intelligence Governance Alliance (AIGA) is calling on experts from various sectors to address several key areas of AI, including improving data quality and availability across nations, boosting access to computational resources, and adapting foundation models to suit local needs and challenges.

The AIGA, which includes governments, businesses and experts, aims to shape responsible AI development, applications and governance, and to ensure equitable distribution and enhanced access to this “path-departing” technology worldwide.

The AIGA also seeks to mobilise resources for exploring AI benefits in key sectors, including healthcare and education.

It has released three new reports on advanced AI, which focus on generative AI governance, unlocking its value, and a framework for responsible AI development and deployment.

It also calls for a strong emphasis on education and the development of local expertise to create and navigate local AI ecosystems effectively. In line with these goals, there is a need to establish new institutional frameworks and public-private partnerships along with implementing multilateral controls to aid and enhance these efforts, the alliance said.

“While AI holds the potential to address global challenges, it also poses risks of widening existing digital divides or creating new ones. These and other topics are explored in the paper series, which were crafted by AIGA’s three core workstreams in collaboration with [technology companies] IBM Consulting and Accenture.

“As AI technology evolves at a rapid pace and developed nations race to capitalise on AI innovation, the urgency to address the digital divide is critical to ensure that billions of people in developing countries are not left behind,” the WEF said in a statement on January 18.

The AIGA is uniquely positioned to play a crucial role in furthering greater access to AI-related resources, thereby contributing to a more equitable and responsible AI ecosystem globally, said WEF AI, Data and Metaverse head Cathy Li.

“We must collaborate among governments, the private sector and local communities to ensure the future of AI benefits all,” she said.

The 'Generative AI Governance: Shaping Our Collective Global Future' report, from the AIGA Resilient Governance and Regulation track, focuses on international cooperation and inclusive access in AI development and deployment.

The paper evaluates national approaches, addresses key debates on generative AI, and advocates for international coordination and standards to prevent fragmentation.

Further, the 'Unlocking Value from Generative AI: Guidance for Responsible Transformation' report, from the Responsible Applications and Transformation track, provides guidance on the responsible adoption of generative AI, emphasising use case-based evaluation, multistakeholder governance, transparent communication, operational structures, and value-based change management for scalable and responsible integration into organisations.

Additionally, the new 'Presidio AI Framework: Towards Safe Generative AI Models' report, from the Safe Systems and Technologies track, aims to optimise AI development and deployment. It addresses the need for standardised perspectives on the model lifecycle by creating a framework for shared responsibility and proactive risk management.

“We all have an obligation to collaborate globally across corporations, governments and civil society to create ethical guardrails and policy frameworks that will inform how generative AI is designed and deployed. IBM continues to drive responsible AI and governance and is proud to work with the Forum’s AIGA as the knowledge partner for this paper series,” said IBM vice-chairperson Gary Cohn.

“The evolution of AI is unique in that the technology, regulation and business adoption are all accelerating exponentially at the same time. It is critical that the public and private sector come together to share insights, resources and best practices for building and scaling AI responsibly,” said Accenture chief technology and innovation officer Paul Daugherty.

“Leaders in this space must prioritise inclusive AI so that the benefits of this technology are shared in all parts of the world, including emerging markets. The Forum’s three-part briefing paper series offers insightful considerations across responsible applications, governance and safety to empower businesses, respect people and benefit society,” he emphasised.