Month: September 2024

By Pari Esfandiari.

The recent Global Digital Compact (GDC) discussions held in September 2024 have reignited the call for a more integrated approach to digital governance, highlighting the urgent need to merge the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Action Lines with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As we look ahead to the WSIS+20 in 2025, the time is ripe to address this separation and work towards a unified framework that streamlines efforts, maximizes resources, and accelerates progress toward sustainable digital development.

Since their inception, WSIS Action Lines and SDGs have operated in parallel, often duplicating efforts despite their common goal of leveraging digital technologies to advance sustainable development. The two frameworks, though aligned in purpose, remain largely disconnected, resulting in missed opportunities for synergy and coordinated action.

Continue reading “Digital Synergy: The Urgent Case for WSIS-SDG Alignment”

An overview of the UN, the UAE and Regional Initiatives.

By George Salama.

Humanity is witnessing a revolutionary race at an unprecedented pace— a race driven by artificial intelligence (AI) applications that are rapidly transforming nearly every aspect of our lives. While AI research and applications have been evolving for many years, the key difference today is their widespread availability to the public. As AI moves from the confines of research labs into the hands of everyday users, the focus on responsible use becomes sharper. The responsible use of AI is a global social challenge that requires a coordinated societal approach, incorporating governance models, public policies, regulatory frameworks, security measures, and safety aspects. Additionally, the socio-economic impact of AI necessitates collaboration among global and regional stakeholders. In response, several governments worldwide and specifically in the MENA region are developing comprehensive AI strategies, policies, and regulations to balance AI’s potential with its associated risks.

As AI continues to revolutionize industries worldwide, its economic impact is becoming increasingly significant. The global AI market, valued at approximately $150 billion in 2023, is projected to grow exponentially in the coming years. According to recent reports, the AI market is expected to reach over $1.8 trillion USD by 2030, driven by advancements in machine learning, automation, and the deployment of AI across sectors like healthcare, climate, finance, sports, and manufacturing.

Continue reading “Navigating the AI Revolution: Global and Regional Strategies for Responsible Governance.”