G42 & Microsoft prioritise responsible AI
G42 & Microsoft prioritise responsible AI
G42 & Microsoft to create Responsible AI centre in partnership with AIATC
#UAE #responsibleAI - AI powerhouse G42 and global software giant Microsoft are establishing a new centre for Responsible AI in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the with the emirate’s policy and planning body, the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC). The centre will be co-funded by G42 and Microsoft to identify, develop and advance best practices and industry standards for the responsible use of AI in the Middle East and the Global South. In addition, Microsoft will establish an AI for Good Lab to collaborate with nonprofit organisations, helping to focus on key economic and societal challenges across the Middle East and Africa.
The joint G42-Microsoft Responsible AI centre aims to bring together academic researchers and AI practitioners from across the private sector to develop, document and share emerging Responsible AI best practices. G42 and Microsoft are both committed to working closely with the centre to bring together individuals and organisations from across the Middle East, the Global South, and more broadly to learn from each other and develop ongoing advances in Responsible AI practices.
SO WHAT? - Responsible AI is now firmly on the national agendas of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as both countries seek to mitigate risk from their rapid deployment of artificial intelligence across all sectors, and also influence the AI policy and standards being put forward by global organisations and committees. A new ‘Building Responsible Artificial Intelligence Forum’ was held for the first time in Dubai this year, as part of the influential World Governments Summit. Meanwhile, last year the Saudi government formed the International Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics, which is now endorsed by UNESCO.
With many government and non-profit initiatives now debating Responsible AI, there is, no doubt, room for industry-led infinitives. The formation of a permanent Responsible AI centre by G42 and Microsoft in Abu Dhabi, has the potential to bring together AI technology leaders, government policy leaders and AI heads from across sectors to create practical outputs that can be implemented quickly.
Here are some key points about the new joint G42 / Microsoft announcement:
Microsoft and G42 have announced that they will establish two AI centres in Abu Dhabi, building on the partnership and the $1.5 billion Microsoft investment announced in April this year.
The first AI centre will be dedicated to Responsible AI, focused on advancing Responsible AI standards across the Middle East and the Global South. The centre is being established with the support of Abu Dhabi’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC).
The second AI centre will expand Microsoft's AI for Good Lab into Abu Dhabi, marking its first location in the Middle East. The AI for Good Lab will prioritise developing large language models for underrepresented languages in the region, aimed at reducing the global language divide.
Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab will apply AI to high-resolution geospatial data to enhance disaster preparedness and climate resilience, with a focus on food security in the Middle East and Africa. It is worth noting that G42’s Bayanat subsidiary (soon to become Space42) provides geospatial data services, while the group has a number of projects for disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
The joint press release emphasised G42’s move to standardise on Microsoft Azure Cloud and compliance with US regulations. The centres will support the ongoing migration of G42's legacy cloud infrastructure to Microsoft Azure, a project that began in November 2023.
Read more about the G42-Microsoft partnership:
Microsoft & G42 announce $1b digital investment in Kenya (Middle East AI News)
Microsoft's $1.5 billion investment a pivotal moment for G42 (Middle East AI News)