IGF 2025 Open Forum #59 Multistakeholder Alliance for Ethical AI in Public Services

Alignment with IGF 2025 Theme This session aligns with the overarching theme “Building Digital Governance Together” and the sub-theme [Building] Digital Cooperation, focusing on fostering inclusive, ethical AI governance frameworks that strengthen public service delivery. It directly addresses IGF priorities such as integrating multi-stakeholder governance, advancing the Global Digital Compact, and linking AI innovation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 9, 10, 11, 16). Session Objectives 1. Facilitate Multi-stakeholder Dialogue: Share actionable strategies for embedding ethical AI principles (transparency, fairness, accountability) into public services. 2. Highlight Inclusive Practices: Showcase case studies from the Global South, underrepresented communities, and marginalized groups (e.g., persons with disabilities, youth, Indigenous populations). 3. Strengthen Policy Coherence: Align AI governance with global frameworks (WSIS+20, Global Digital Compact, SDGs) and promote cross-regional collaboration. 4. Launch the AI Ethics Toolkit: Present a practical resource for policymakers, co-developed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and partners, to operationalize ethical AI in public institutions. Session Format (Hybrid) • Duration: 60 minutes • Structure: 1. Opening Remarks (5 mins): Moderator sets the stage, emphasizing the role of ethical AI in achieving inclusive digital governance. 2. Panel Discussion (40 mins): Diverse experts address challenges and solutions (see panelist recommendations below). 3. Q&A and Closing (15 mins): Audience engagement and commitment to follow-up actions. Proposed Panelists To ensure balanced representation and expertise: • UN Institutions: Representative from UNDP/ITU (e.g., focal point on AI for Sustainable Development). • Policymakers: Senior official/policymaker from a Global South government (e.g., Pakistan’s Ministry of IT & Telecom or Indonesia’s Ministry of Villages). • Academia: AI ethics researcher from Queen Mary University of London/UCL • Private Sector: AI ethics officer from a tech firm • Regional Organizations: Representative from the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA). Moderator: Mr. Shaharyar Jawaid (Islamic Development Bank), leveraging IsDB’s experience in financing ethical AI projects for public services in member countries. Linkages to Global Frameworks • WSIS+20 & Global Digital Compact: Highlight how ethical AI governance supports WSIS Action Lines (C1, C6, C11) and the Compact’s goals on inclusive digital public infrastructure. • SDGs: Demonstrate AI’s role in equitable service delivery (e.g., healthcare, education) and reducing inequalities (SDG 10). • Follow-Up: Publish session outcomes as a policy brief and integrate recommendations into IsDB’s AI Ethics Lab initiatives. Unique Value Proposition • Inclusive Focus: Case studies from IsDB-funded projects in Indonesia (AI for Inclusive Village Development) and Pakistan (Smart Village Program). • Actionable Outputs: Launch of the AI Ethics Toolkit and a pledge by panelists to adopt its principles in their institutions. • Hybrid Engagement: Use digital platforms to encourage virtual participants, ensuring equitable participation. Expected Outcomes 1. Policy recommendations for ethical AI in public services, submitted to the Global Digital Compact drafting committee. 2. Strengthened partnerships between IsDB, UN agencies, and regional bodies to scale ethical AI pilots. 3. Increased visibility of underrepresented voices in global AI governance debates. Addressing Global Challenges: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities Key Issues & Challenges: Ethical Risks in AI: Bias, lack of transparency, and accountability gaps in AI systems used for public services (e.g., healthcare, education) risk exacerbating inequalities and eroding trust. Digital Divide: Marginalized groups (Global South, persons with disabilities, Indigenous communities) often lack access to AI-driven services or face exclusion due to biased algorithms. Fragmented Governance: Disconnected policies across regions and sectors hinder coherent ethical AI frameworks aligned with global goals (e.g., SDGs, WSIS+20). Capacity Gaps: Many governments, especially in the Global South, lack technical expertise or funding to implement ethical AI systems effectively. Opportunities: Inclusive Innovation: AI can democratize access to public services (e.g., remote healthcare, adaptive education tools) if designed equitably. Multi-stakeholder Synergy: Collaboration between governments, academia, and civil society can harmonize ethical standards and share best practices. SDG Acceleration: Ethical AI can drive progress in education (SDG 4), healthcare (SDG 3), urban resilience (SDG 11), and governance (SDG 16).

Hybrid Engagement: Ensures equitable inclusion of Global South voices through digital tools (e.g., Mentimeter for real-time polling).