Event Overview
The launch event on August 10th, 2024 marked the beginning of our collective journey toward promoting ethical standards in AI. We believe that AI, much like the societies it emerges from, is shaped by the data and biases within those societies. This event underscored the urgent need for a transdisciplinary approach to AI development, ensuring that AI systems serve humanity responsibly and equitably.
We were honored to have 40+ individuals join us for this important occasion.
Opening Keynote: The Importance of Ethical AI
The launch event began with an opening keynote by Asma Derja, Founder of the Ethical AI Alliance. In her presentation, Asma laid the foundation for the Alliance’s mission by discussing the critical role of ethics in AI development. She explored how AI systems are shaped by the data and biases present in society, stressing the need for a conscious, ethical approach to AI. Asma underscored the potential consequences of neglecting ethical considerations, including the risk of reinforcing existing inequalities and the misuse of AI in areas like surveillance and automation. She called for a transdisciplinary effort to ensure AI technologies are developed and used in ways that are transparent, fair, and beneficial to all.
Keynote Presentation: The Importance of Ethical AI
The event continued with an insightful keynote presentation by Jivtesh Singh, Power Platform and Business Applications Architect at Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact. Jivtesh highlighted the critical need for ethical considerations in AI, focusing on how AI is increasingly intertwined with societal outcomes, from surveillance to workforce automation, and the potential consequences if these technologies are not guided by ethical principles.
Panel Discussion: Responsible AI in Practice
The panel discussion, moderated by Kei Baritugo, Co-producer of the Ethical AI Alliance Launch, brought together a diverse group of experts to explore the practical aspects of implementing responsible AI. Panelists included:
- Marwa Azelmat, Digital Rights Expert at RNW Media, who emphasized the importance of safeguarding privacy and digital rights in the age of AI.
- Cecilia Garcia Podoley, Board Member at Ethics and Compliance Switzerland, who discussed the ethical challenges in AI development and the need for robust ethical guidelines.
The discussion centered on the intersection of technology, ethics, and digital rights, highlighting the importance of ensuring safety, privacy, and quality in AI deployment.
Breakout Sessions: Moving Forward Together
Attendees participated in breakout sessions led by Elaina Martinelli, a facilitator and learning consultant with over two decades of experience in the technology sector, where they shared their biggest concerns about AI and discussed the role they hope the Ethical AI Alliance can play in addressing these issues. The sessions fostered a collaborative environment, allowing participants to voice their hopes and challenges as we move forward together.
Next Steps for the Ethical AI Alliance
As we move forward, the Ethical AI Alliance is committed to pioneering open-source, expert-led ethical certification for AI technologies. Our transdisciplinary approach will involve experts from various fields, including agritech, psychology, and content creation, to ensure comprehensive and authoritative guidelines.
We invite all those interested in ethical AI to join us in our efforts. Whether through participating in future events, joining our working groups, or contributing to our open-source initiatives, your involvement is crucial to shaping the future of AI.
Get Involved
There are several ways you can continue to engage with the Ethical AI Alliance:
- Join Our Slack Channel: Connect with like-minded individuals in our [Slack Channel] to discuss ethical AI, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on our latest projects, events, and resources.
- Join the Conversation: Become a part of our open LinkedIn group to contribute to discussions, share your thoughts, and engage with a diverse community in shaping the future of AI. All voices are welcome!
Resources
Find below the key materials from the Ethical AI Alliance Launch Event, including the Master Deck, Jivtesh Singh's presentation, and event notes.
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Want to learn more about our recent event? Check out our detailed blog post below: