The global artificial intelligence (AI) market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with revenues expected to reach $500 billion by the end of 2023 and surpass $66 billion by 2024. However, this rapid advancement has exposed a stark development gap between the Global North and Global South, leaving many countries in the latter struggling to keep pace. As AI and digital technologies revolutionize industries and governments worldwide, the benefits have largely bypassed much of the Global South, deepening existing inequalities. On the other hand, multilateral institutions and governments are having to speed up to catch up to the development of AI and discuss whether or not AI needs to be regulated at the global level and, as in the case of many other technological advances before it, how to expand its benefits while avoiding its increasing risks.

The session, “AI & Digital Tech: How Can the Global South Benefit Equally?” will address this pressing issue by exploring the challenges and opportunities AI presents for societies and communities in the Global South. The discussion will focus on how these rapidly evolving technologies can be harnessed to create equitable growth and development across regions, rather than exacerbating disparities.

Furthermore, the session will highlight the importance of advocating for inclusivity in AI and digital technology. It will propose strategies for Global South countries to utilize these advancements to enhance government efficiency, spur economic growth, and strengthen digital diplomacy. The goal is to chart a course toward a more equitable technological future, ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared globally.