From June 10 to 14, 2024, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Regional Development Mission for Asia hosted the “Making Sense of AI in Asia Forum,” bringing together over 150 representatives from USAID, the U.S. Department of State, international donor agencies, technology companies, business chambers, and civil society organizations from across Asia. Participants delved into the vast potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for development practitioners, policy professionals, and private sector partners aiming to harness AI as a force for good.
In collaboration with the US-ASEAN Business Council, DAI, and Mango Tango Asia, USAID’s weeklong forum on AI provided a regional platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and dialogue on AI's cross-sectoral impacts.
“The United States is deeply committed to the responsible development and use of AI, which will help preserve and expand a secure, open, and resilient digital ecosystem,” said Dr. Steven G. Olive, Mission Director for USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia. “Realizing our vision for the future of AI demands a society-wide effort that includes government, the private sector, academia, and civil society.”
David Staley, Digital Asia Accelerator Project Director with DAI, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the forum, stating, “This was a great opportunity to start building public-private partnerships on AI in order to benefit communities and promote sustainable development."
To ensure coordinated and sustainable efforts, participants developed a shared approach titled "Public-Private Partnership Pathways for AI," which outlines collaboration opportunities and provides guidance for maintaining ongoing momentum.
In addition to the public forum, the weeklong event included the AI in International Development training which brought together over 50 representatives from USAID and U.S. Department of State across Asia to explore the impact of AI and how it can drive innovation and positive change.
This forum is one of many efforts by the United States to support the responsible use of AI, promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy development across Asia.
