ECOSOC Special Meeting on AI

BAI observed the ECOSOC Special Meeting on Artificial Intelligence, convened on 6 May 2025 at the United Nations. Held as part of the STI Action Day ahead of the 10th Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs (STI Forum), this special session brought together Member States, UN system experts, innovators, civil society representatives, and private sector leaders to follow up on the outcomes of the Summit of the Future and the Global Digital Compact. The meeting highlighted the transformative potential of AI to accelerate progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while addressing risks, capacity constraints and inequalities that persist across regions, especially in the Global South.

The interactive agenda featured a debate on “Emerging Trends of AI Innovations and the SDGs” and a panel discussion on “Building Foundations for AI in the Global South,” exploring how strategic investments, governance, partnerships and digital capacity-building can enable all countries to benefit from AI breakthroughs. Discussions focused on scalable AI applications for sustainable development, equitable access to computing and connectivity, and the need for inclusive policies that uphold human rights and ethical standards.

The meeting reaffirmed that effective international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement are indispensable to harness AI responsibly and inclusively. Governments, international organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector were urged to deepen collaboration to bridge digital and data divides, strengthen AI ecosystems and co-design solutions that support sustainable development goals.