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| ISID organised a Policy Roundtable on “Inclusive AI for Development” on August 1, 2025, centred on UNCTAD’s Technology and Innovation Report 2025. Presented by Mr Wai Kit (Jackie) Si Tou, Economic Affairs Officer, Division on Technology and Logistics, UNCTAD, the session highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasising its potential to enhance productivity, optimise resource use, and improve livelihoods—provided it is governed through inclusive policies in infrastructure, data, and skills. The roundtable was chaired by Prof Nagesh Kumar, Director, ISID. Distinguished panellists were Dr Uma Rani, Senior Economist, International Labour Organisation, Geneva; Prof Rajat Kathuria, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University; and, Prof Sunil Mani, Hon Visiting Professor, Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum. The discussion underscored the need for equitable access, innovation, and international cooperation to ensure AI benefits all economies. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment. |
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| About the report: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the first technology that can make decisions and generate ideas, challenging the notion that technology is neutral. AI can fast-track the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), powering smart agriculture and energy grids, optimizing production and supply chains, improving water and city planning – and more. Case studies show AI boosts productivity and improves livelihoods – if supported by the right policies and skills. But AI is evolving much faster than governments can respond. Without the right oversight and fair access, it risks deepening global divides. The Technology and Innovation Report 2025 calls for AI that puts people first and is shaped through global cooperation in which all countries have a say. It outlines policy priorities for the three key AI leverage points: a) Infrastructure; b) Data; and c) Skills. |
| Short Bio: Mr. Wai Kit (Jackie) Si Tou is an Economic Affairs Officer in the Technology and Innovation Policy Research Section, Division on Technology and Logistics, UNCTAD. He has extensive experience in science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy research and has contributed to numerous UN reports on STI for sustainable development. Before joining UNCTAD, he worked with three different UN regional commissions in Africa, Asia and Europe. |
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📅 Date: Friday, 1st August 2025 |