The UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, in partnership with the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Ikigai Law, is hosting event in Hyderabad. This event focuses on the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) for India. It aims to engage various stakeholders in discussions about the ethical and effective implementation of artificial intelligence in the country.
Event Overview
The consultation will occur on April 8, 2025, at T-Works, Hyderabad. It will feature a fireside chat with Mr. Abhishek Singh, CEO of the IndiaAI Mission. This chat will highlight the objectives and progress of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to promote responsible AI development in India.
Panel Discussion
A key component of the event is a panel discussion titled Shaping Ethics in AI Governance – Government and Multilateral Perspectives. Senior officials from various institutions, including MeitY and UNESCO, will participate. This discussion will explore ethical considerations in AI governance and the role of government and multilateral organisations in shaping these policies.
Thematic Breakout Groups
Participants will engage in four thematic breakout groups. These groups will focus on governance, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and practical use cases of AI. This format allows for in-depth discussions and contributions from diverse stakeholders, enhancing the dialogue around India’s AI readiness.
AI RAM Initiative
This event is part of the AI RAM initiative, which includes five multi-stakeholder consultations. Previous sessions were held in New Delhi and Bangalore. The initiative aims to create a comprehensive AI policy report tailored for India, mapping the strengths and opportunities within the ethical AI ecosystem.
INDIAai Mission
The AI RAM initiative aligns with the ambitious INDIAai Mission, which has received over ₹10,000 crore in funding. This mission focuses on the Safe and Trusted AI pillar, emphasising ethical, accountable, and secure AI development. It aims to empower innovators and ensure the benefits of AI are accessible across various sectors.
Call for Participation
The consultation is open to policymakers, technologists, academia, and practitioners. Interested participants can register online. This engagement is crucial for shaping a responsible and future-ready AI roadmap for India.
Future Implications
The outcomes of this consultation will play a vital role in guiding India’s approach to AI. By incorporating diverse perspectives, the initiative seeks to establish frameworks that promote ethical AI practices and ensure that the technology benefits society as a whole.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of ethical considerations in the development of artificial intelligence.
- Critically examine the impact of government policies on the growth of technology sectors in India.
- Explain the role of multi-stakeholder consultations in shaping national technology policies.
- What are the challenges of implementing AI governance in developing countries? Discuss with examples.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of ethical considerations in the development of artificial intelligence.
- Ethical AI ensures accountability, transparency, and fairness in AI systems.
- It helps prevent bias and discrimination in AI algorithms, promoting social equity.
- Ethical guidelines encourage public trust and acceptance of AI technologies.
- Responsible AI development mitigates risks associated with privacy and data security.
- Global standards for ethical AI can enhance international cooperation and innovation.
2. Critically examine the impact of government policies on the growth of technology sectors in India.
- Government policies can create a conducive environment for innovation through funding and incentives.
- Regulatory frameworks can either facilitate or hinder technological advancements, impacting startups and established firms.
- Policies promoting digital infrastructure enhance access to technology across regions.
- Government initiatives like the INDIAai Mission drive focus on ethical AI and boost investor confidence.
- Collaboration between government and industry stakeholders is essential for sustainable growth in tech sectors.
3. Explain the role of multi-stakeholder consultations in shaping national technology policies.
- Multi-stakeholder consultations gather diverse perspectives, enriching policy formulation.
- They facilitate dialogue between government, industry, academia, and civil society, ensuring inclusivity.
- Consultations help identify challenges and opportunities in technology implementation.
- Feedback from stakeholders informs evidence-based policy decisions and frameworks.
- These engagements encourage collaboration and build consensus on technology governance issues.
4. What are the challenges of implementing AI governance in developing countries? Discuss with examples.
- Lack of infrastructure and resources can hinder the development of AI governance frameworks.
- Limited access to quality data can affect the effectiveness of AI systems, as seen in rural areas.
- Regulatory challenges arise from the rapid pace of AI advancements outpacing policy development.
- Socio-economic disparities can lead to unequal benefits from AI technologies, as seen in healthcare access.
- Resistance to change and lack of awareness about AI’s potential can impede governance efforts.
