Tech & AI LIVE: Gen AI – United Nations Ethical AI Keynote

December 05, 2024

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Speaking at Tech & AI LIVE Gen AI, Aaron Kalyani, Global AI Transformation Leader at the United Nations discussed Scaling Ethical AI

Aaron Kalyani, Global AI Transformation Leader at the United Nations, spoke at Tech & AI LIVE: Gen AI to discuss his mission of leveraging ethical AI for global good. With applications ranging from natural disaster response to bridging the digital divide, Aaron highlighted the transformative potential of AI when aligned with ethical considerations and sustainable development.

Harnessing AI for disaster response and conflict zones

Aaron opened with the United Nations’ use of AI in predicting and responding to natural disasters. Collaborations with agencies like NOAA and Japan’s Meteorological Agency have enabled AI-driven systems to track hurricanes, predict storm surges, and anticipate flooding.

“AI helps authorities issue timely evacuation orders, protecting both lives and infrastructure in real time,” Aaron explains.

In conflict zones, AI’s ability to analyse satellite imagery has been crucial. The UN’s partnerships with organisations like Maxar Technology allow for rapid identification of damaged infrastructure, prioritising aid where it’s needed most.

In regions like Israel and Palestine, AI also analyses social media and news reports to predict flare-ups of violence, enabling preemptive humanitarian response.

Aaron stresses: “Ethical considerations like data privacy are central, ensuring that these tools serve civilians without infringing on their rights.”

Aaron Kalyani, Global AI Transformation Leader at the United Nations

Bridging the digital divide in under-resourced regions

Addressing the global digital divide, Aaron details initiatives led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). AI-driven solutions have significantly reduced broadband deployment costs in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, expanding access to underserved areas.

He shares: “AI optimises infrastructure placement, making it smarter and more cost-effective.”

Aaron also highlights efforts in countries like Canada and India, where AI supports small businesses and rural internet expansion.

“In India, reinforcement learning models simulate deployment scenarios, streamlining broadband rollout in rural areas,” he notes. Throughout these efforts, federated learning ensures local data privacy, a critical component of equitable digital access.

Aaron Kalyani, Global AI Transformation Leader at the United Nations

AI for environmental conservation

Environmental conservation emerges as one of Aaron’s favourite topics. The UN is deploying AI to combat deforestation in the Amazon, with deep learning models analysing satellite imagery to distinguish between legal and illegal logging.

These systems achieve 90% accuracy, enabling targeted action against deforestation.

Aaron also spotlights reforestation initiatives in Costa Rica, where AI supports indigenous communities in monitoring forest health.

“Through federated learning, AI respects local autonomy while aiding sustainable land management,” he says, showcasing how technology can harmonise environmental protection with community rights.

Upholding ethics in AI development

A central theme of Aaron’s talk was the ethical deployment of AI. He emphasised the need for fairness, transparency, and accountability in all AI initiatives.

“AI must be human-centred, designed to meet real-world needs without sacrificing privacy or autonomy,” he asserts.

To combat misuse, Aaron highlights the importance of partnerships and local capacity building. In Africa, the UN is training developers and setting up innovation hubs to empower communities to manage their own AI systems.

“Ethics must guide every step, ensuring AI serves humanity rather than harming it,” he concludes.