On Wednesday, the Emirates Foundation forged a partnership with the Responsible AI Future Foundation in New York, aligning with the UAE’s ambition to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for global betterment.
Objectives of the Partnership
This collaboration is designed to boost initiatives focusing on philanthropy and inclusive growth while utilizing AI. The signing of the agreement occurred just before a strategic discussion concerning AI’s role in societal advancement, which took place at the UAE’s mission to the UN alongside the UN General Assembly. The Emirates Foundation, based in Abu Dhabi and founded in 2005, aims to foster social progress through public-private partnerships. Their mission complements the efforts of the Responsible AI Future Foundation, an initiative launched by Microsoft in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s G42, alongside the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. This foundation is committed to assisting governments across the Middle East and the Global South in creating AI solutions that respect local languages and cultural nuances.
Building AI for Societal Benefit
The two entities have expressed their intent to actualize the responsible application of AI for societal advantage. According to their announcement, the partnership aims to build capacity and skills that will ensure that AI technologies can be effectively deployed within communities that face pressing challenges. Ahmed Al Shamsi, the Emirates Foundation’s secretary-general, emphasized that this initiative is not merely an inception point but rather a significant milestone in a long-term strategy to harness AI for good. Over the past 18 months, the foundation has laid the groundwork, and this agreement marks a pivotal moment for taking actionable steps both within the UAE and on a global scale.
Global Stage for Local Impact
During the announcement at the UN General Assembly, Al Shamsi highlighted the importance of showcasing the UAE as an inclusive platform for collaborative endeavors aimed at benefiting all communities worldwide. “The world is gathered here, and it’s vital to communicate our mission widely,” he remarked. The goal is to attract as many partners as possible to join the Emirates Foundation’s efforts. Mohamed Al Hosani, the foundation’s director of business development and partnerships, elaborated on the next steps, which involve collaborating with various organizations in and outside the UAE to ensure AI is utilized for community upliftment.
Focus on Holistic Development
The foundation’s strategy is centered on what Al Shamsi refers to as the “four Ps”—people, philanthropy, public, and private sectors. By uniting these elements on a single platform, they envision a more effective approach to addressing societal issues. The collaboration seeks to go beyond theoretical frameworks, with steps already taken to implement the initiatives discussed. “We’re transitioning from concept to reality,” said Al Shamsi, explaining that their work involves using a sandbox model to pilot AI-driven projects that are both relevant and beneficial to the community. The ultimate aim is to develop innovative solutions that address pressing societal needs while highlighting the UAE’s leadership in the realm of responsible AI.