UNIDO's Division of Digital Transformation and AI Strategies (TCS/DAS), in collaboration with ITPO Shanghai, is organizing the International Forum on AI for Industry and Manufacturing during the World AI Conference (WAIC) 2023 in Shanghai, China on 6-7 July 2023. The objective of this event is to present opportunities for collaboration between various stakeholders active in the field of AI by encouraging participants to engage in interactive discussions, gain valuable insights from keynote presentations, and network with a wide range of public and private stakeholders.

The International Forum on AI for Industry and Manufacturing will also provide the platform for UNIDO to introduce the Global Alliance on Artificial Intelligence for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM-Global). This initiative aims to foster the responsible, sustainable, and inclusive utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industrial sector. AIM-Global will unite prominent agents of change from governmental, academic, civil society, and private sectors, in alignment with the UN Secretary-General’s report on “Our Common Agenda”, which calls to agree on a Global Digital Compact to outline “shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all”. 

The primary goal of AIM-Global is to facilitate the development and safer adoption of AI technologies that enhance industrial competitiveness and promote sustainable development. AIM-Global aims to ensure that the benefits derived from AI are equitably and sustainably shared.

To achieve this goal, AIM-Global has set forth the following objectives:

Skill development and data protection: The alliance will address the need for widespread AI literacy and the global capacity for AI development and utilization. It will also focus on ethical and legal considerations surrounding AI and the safeguarding of sensitive data.

Bridging the digital divide: Recognizing the potential of AI to drive significant advancements in productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in industry and manufacturing, AIM-Global emphasizes the importance of ensuring these advancements occur in a safe, sustainable, and inclusive manner across different countries and industries. The goal is to ensure equitable sharing of AI benefits while minimizing risks.

Establishing a global platform for frontier technology discourse: AIM-Global will provide a platform for international collaboration and knowledge sharing, enabling discussions on the benefits and challenges of AI. By fostering cooperation, it aims to facilitate the development of international standards and best practices for the safe and sustainable use of AI in industry and manufacturing.

Partners 

UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) Shanghai, and the Municipal Government of Shanghai (for year 2023) 

Participants

Representatives of public sector, academia, civil society, private sector, incl. technology providers. All organizations and stakeholders with an articulated commitment and interest in the responsible and inclusive use of AI in industry and manufacturing.

See agenda here.