Call for Participation in ‘AI for Social Good: Strengthening Capabilities and Government Frameworks in Asia and the Pacific’ – a United Nations ESCAP-APRU-Google collaboration

17 February 2022

Project Background:
With artificial intelligence (AI) poised to become as widespread as the internet, its impact in Asia and the Pacific is expected to grow further. AI offers the possibility of providing a myriad of technological solutions to today’s complex challenges in achieving Agenda 2030 for sustainable development and can help societies “build back better” as they recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to these opportunities, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), with funding from Google.org, developed the ‘AI for Social Good’ multi-stakeholder network. The network has been supporting policy makers by developing insights on what capabilities and governance frameworks will be most supportive for leveraging AI effectively for social good.

Vision:
This second collaborative project is building on these past activities to achieve transformative impact by bringing together government agencies from the Asia-Pacific region and outstanding researchers to:

  • continue supporting research and cross-border connections on “AI for Social Good”;
  • provide active support in the development of country-specific AI governance frameworks and national capabilities; and
  • empower transparent AI ecosystems and develop AI solutions that tackle socio-economic challenges.

Academic Lead:
The academic lead for the project is Professor Toni Erskine, Australian National University (ANU).

How to Engage:
Please see the call document for specific project details, engagement areas, funding, expected contributions by the participants, the project timeline, and eligibility.

APRU Scholars interested in participating and responding to this first round of research questions will need to email their completed expression of interest form  to Ms. Tina Lin, tina.lin@apru.org by 22 February 2022.