Welcome to AI/IA Issue 5, a bulletin from UNITAR highlighting news in Artificial Intelligence and International Affairs for the Diplomatic Community

2024 | ISSUE NO. 5

Artificial Intelligence & International Affairs

A bulletin highlighting recent developments in Artificial Intelligence relevant to International Affairs and the Diplomatic Community

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Background:

AI plays a growing role in diplomacy by enhancing complex analysis and supporting decision-making – among others – however its ethical integration is pivotal for all societies navigating global challenges via informed diplomatic endeavors. 

In this context, UNITAR's bulletin AI/IA, focusing on Artificial Intelligence and International Affairs has been specifically developed for the diplomatic community and cosmopolitan decision-makers. 

Each issue will delve into the evolving landscape of AI in the context of global diplomacy to provide readers with the necessary information needed to take empowered decisions. 


Join Us: AI for Good Global Summit:

Join UNITAR, ITU and 40 UN partners, along with key global decision makers from both the private and public sectors next week, at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva. The summit aims to identify practical AI applications of AI to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and scale solutions for Global Impact. 

Register here to attend: https://lnkd.in/eBvZvgEF

AI for Good Global Summit 2024


News:

OpenAI unveils new ChatGPT version

OpenAI has introduced GPT-4o, a new multimodal AI model that processes text, audio, images, and video inputs, providing outputs in text, audio, and images. It responds to audio inputs in real-time, matching GPT-4 Turbo's performance in text and code, while excelling in non-English languages and vision tasks. GPT-4o is twice as fast and half the cost of its predecessor, with enhanced safety features and broader accessibility through ChatGPT and API..

More information: Hello GPT-4o | OpenAI

 

Joint declaration between the French Republic and the People's Republic of China on artificial intelligence and the governance of global issues

On 6 and 7 May 2024, President Xi Jinping and President Emmanuel Macron marked 60 years of diplomatic relations by emphasizing their commitment to enhancing Franco-Chinese cooperation on global issues. They particularly focused on the governance of artificial intelligence (AI), agreeing to advance secure, responsible AI development and international collaboration to address its risks and maximize its benefits. Both leaders also highlighted the importance of AI in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and managing its impact on the future of work, reaffirming their role in strengthening global governance and technological cooperation.

More information: Joint declaration between the French Republic and the People's Republic of China on artificial intelligence and the governance of global issues. | Élysée (elysee.fr) 

 

The European Commission invests €112 million in AI and quantum research and innovation

The European Commission plans to invest over €65 million in AI technologies, allocating €50 million to enhance data integration and AI model capabilities, and €15 million to improve the reliability and transparency of AI systems. This initiative aligns with the EU AI Act and emphasizes a human-centric European approach to AI. Additionally, €40 million will be invested in advanced quantum technologies, including €25 million for a European network of quantum gravimeters and €15 million for transnational quantum technology R&D, reinforcing the EU's leadership in global quantum advancements. Furthermore, €7.5 million will be earmarked for projects fostering European values in digital transformation and boosting EU influence in global ICT standards.

More information: Commission invests €112 million in AI and quantum research and innovation | Shaping Europe’s digital future (europa.eu)

 

SDAIA propels Saudi Arabia to forefront of global data & AI indicators

The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) has significantly advanced the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in data and AI. The Tawakkalna app received the United Nations Public Service Award for its COVID-19 response. SDAIA's commitment since its 2019 inception has propelled the Kingdom to a leading position among AI-powered economies, with support from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. Key achievements include multiple international certifications and notable contributions to healthcare, smart cities, and digital transformation efforts under Vision 2030.

More information: Details (sdaia.gov.sa)

SAVE THE DATE

AI-related events in the upcoming months:

JUNE 19:

UNITAR Open Webinar: The Role of AI in Diplomacy and Agenda 2030 

Online via Zoom

Register

 

SEPTEMBER 22-23:

Summit of the Future  

UN HQ / New York, USA 

The event brings together people and companies that are currently building the most game-changing and purposeful AI strategies globally. 

Summit of the Future website - EN | United Nations 

 

OCTOBER 09-10:

World Summit AI 

Amsterdam, Netherlands 

The summit gathers the global AI ecosystem of Enterprise, Big Tech, Startups, Investors, Science and Academia to set the global AI agenda.  

World Summit AI 2024

 

OCTOBER 14 -18:

AI Everything

UAE

The summit unites startups, companies and governments across the world in the technological advancement of AI.

AI Everything

 

DECEMBER 11-12:

The AI Summit

New York, USA

The summit gathers enterprise leaders providing opportunities to learn, network and test out new AI advancements.  

The AI Summit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Certificate on Artificial Intelligence and Professional Skills

Application Deadline: 6 September 2024

Dates: 9 - 20 Sep 2024

Future-proof your career with our two-week online course, led by distinguished UN experts. Learn about the intersection of AI with negotiation skills, decision-making and the future of work, and gain the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.

To apply, kindly follow this link

https://bit.ly/AI-and-ProfessionalSkills-Certificate


A Community of Practice Surrounding AI 

UNITAR is building a community of practice surrounding AI. To that end, we would be most grateful if you could answer a brief survey:  

Complete Survey Now >

Your responses will help us better understand the uses of AI within the diplomatic community and thus enable us to provide the most relevant training and/or resources.

Should you or the relevant person(s) from your organization be interested in joining our community of practice in AI, kindly contact us.


Useful Sources:

Contact Us:

Mr. Malcolm Olivieri 

[email protected]

+ 41 22 917 8400

 

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