The Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC) members will meet during the UN General Assembly in New York to endorse specific plans for harnessing the power of AI for sustainable development. The meeting, scheduled for 18 September, demonstrates the Commonwealth Secretariat's commitment to the ethical and responsible use of AI in collaboration with global technology companies, research institutions, and universities. Launched earlier this year, CAIC will focus on equipping citizens with the necessary skills to benefit from digital innovation and cyberspace opportunities, as mandated by the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). With a particular emphasis on engaging individuals under 30, who account for 60% of the Commonwealth population, CAIC represents the Commonwealth Secretariat's holistic approach.

The CAIC Steering Committee, chaired by Rwanda and co-chaired by NVIDIA, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), will drive collaboration with private sector and research partners. This collaboration will build upon the progress made during the Commonwealth Secretary-General's visit to Silicon Valley in April 2023 and will focus on bridging the digital and AI gaps, empowering citizens, and supporting small states. The current CAIC Steering Committee includes Champion Countries such as Rwanda, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Gambia, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago.

The Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Programme (CAIC) Steering Committee includes Rwanda, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Gambia, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago. The committee aims to leverage emerging technology to benefit all member nations. The upcoming meeting will endorse an AI action plan and seek support from Champion Countries on its implementation in key areas such as research, policy, capacity development, and infrastructure. The focus will be on identifying impactful projects for delivery across Commonwealth member states.

Why does it matter?

This meeting is crucial for small states to make project plans and later enforce the implementation of emerging technologies to benefit their population. The CIAC consortium will help projects in research and innovation, policy, capacity building, and Infrastructure and discuss youth and gender empowerment themes. The consortium member states will benefit by identifying the most impactful projects for their sustainable development.