Emirates Foundation links up with Responsible AI to harness the tech for global good at UNGA

On Wednesday, the Emirates Foundation forged a partnership with the Responsible AI Future Foundation in New York, as part of the UAE's global initiative to utilize artificial intelligence for the betterment of humanity. This announcement came just before a discussion on AI, philanthropy, and inclusive growth at the UAE's UN mission, during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The Emirates Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Abu Dhabi, has been active since 2005, driving social development through public-private partnerships. The Responsible AI Future Foundation, established by Microsoft and the UAE's G42, in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, collaborates with governments and organizations across the Middle East and Global South to assist countries in developing AI capabilities tailored to their unique languages, cultures, and needs.

The two foundations will collaborate to harness AI for broader societal benefit, implement responsible AI practices, develop capacity and skills, and ensure the advantages reach those in critical need. This agreement is part of a broader effort known as "AI for good," according to Ahmed Al Shamsi, secretary general of the Emirates Foundation. He stated that the signing marked a significant milestone in a long-term initiative to harness AI for good, not only on a UAE scale but on a global scale.

Al Shamsi emphasized that the signing was not merely a starting point but a catalyst for action, both on a UAE level and internationally. He highlighted the UAE's role as a platform for global collaboration, inviting as many people as possible to join hands in building a better future for all communities. The foundation's work focuses on the "four Ps" - people, philanthropy, public, and private sectors - as it believes that a collective effort from these sectors is essential to effectively build and accelerate causes.

Although the partnership was signed on Wednesday, Al Shamsi confirmed that implementation has already begun. The Emirates Foundation has launched a sandbox to test various use cases, which is now maturing and ready to be deployed as innovative solutions designed to serve communities.