One of the most important topics discussed at the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24) was the discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly will set the next four-year course of action for standards development for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
WTSA is the governing conference for the standardization work of the ITU, the United Nations agency for digital technologies.
The conference, in addition to reviewing the mandates of expert groups, discussed standardization work priorities on topics ranging from AI and the metaverse to quantum information technology and digital public infrastructure.
Global priorities for AI
The Global Digital Compact, adopted by the UN General Assembly last month, provides a framework for countries and industries to ensure that AI benefits all of humanity.
In this framework, the need for comprehensive and effective AI standards is emphasized. The G20 and the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI have made similar calls.
“Through AI standards, it is possible to create a reliable, safe and level playing field for innovation for people in India, the South Asian region and the world,” said ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
“The need of the hour is to translate broad principles into clear and enforceable standards that can ensure AI works responsibly and fairly – for everyone.”
ITU has already published more than 100 standards on AI, while more than 150 are still in progress.
“New technologies are creating new connections across industries,” said Sizo Onoi, director of the ITU’s Telecommunications Standardization Bureau.
“This has been dramatically accelerated by AI, which explains why ITU is investing so heavily in enabling cross-disciplinary communication.”
AI standard
To accelerate the creation of standards for a responsible, safe, and inclusive AI, the first international AI standardization summit was held during the first week of WTSA-24.
Under this initiative, announced at the AI for Good Global Summit in May this year, all relevant organizations are invited to address these key challenges.
To develop and implement detailed parameters of AI, efforts are also being made to create an AI standardization database.
UN Secretary General’s Technology Envoy Amandeep Singh Gill has made this a top priority on several occasions.
AI Capacity Development Campaign
The Youth AI Leadership Community invites AI experts aged 18 to 30 to lead the development of six regional hubs at the AI for Wellbeing Conference.
Earlier, India hosted the final championship of the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge for innovators aged 11 to 18 years.
This is the first of 25 national competitions that will culminate in a global competition at the ‘AI for Good’ global conference in 2025.
On this occasion, ITU also released the AI for Good Impact report, which highlights trends in investment in AI, governance and capacity development across regions around the world.