I. EVENT DESCRIPTION
The Regional Symposium on Effective Governance is a UN DESA annual event in the Asia and the Pacific region and beyond. It seeks to raise awareness of critical public governance issues, examine current and future trends, and provide innovative approaches and new methodologies to support United Nations Member States in developing their capacities to accelerate the implementation of their commitments toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The focus of this year’s Regional Symposium is on “Effective Governance and AI Transformation for the 2030 Agenda: Fostering Transformative Actions for Innovating Public Services”. The Symposium will be organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) through its Project Office on Governance (UNPOG) and in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) of the Government of the Republic of Korea and Incheon Metropolitan City. The Symposium will be held from 30 October to 1 November 2024, in Incheon, Republic of Korea.
Building upon the outcomes from the SDG Summit 2023, the 23rd Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA), the 4th International Conference on SIDS, the United Nations Public Service Forum 2024, the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2024, and the Summit of the Future, the 8th Regional Symposium will highlight the growing importance of effective governance and the integration of AI technologies to drive innovation, improve efficiency, build resilience and enhance service delivery in the public sector and ultimately contribute to the acceleration of the SDGs.
The UN recognizes the transformative potential of AI in achieving the SDGs and promoting global well-being. AI transformation for the public sector in the context of the 8th Regional Symposium refers to the integration of AI technologies to enhance government operations, improve public service delivery, and foster innovation in public services. The 8th Regional Symposium will underscore the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create forward-thinking solutions that address current and future challenges in public administration and explore how AI, effective governance, and innovation can be harnessed to accelerate SDG implementation and tackle sustainable development challenges.
The thematic areas of the Symposium will align with the objectives of the Global Digital Compact that was adopted at the Summit of the Future in 2024 which outlines shared principles for an open free and secure digital future for all. The Symposium also grounds itself in the “Quintet of Change” – especially innovation, data, digital and foresight.
II. CONTEXT
As we move into the latter half of our path to 2030, a sustained global comeback has yet to emerge. The latest report from the UN Secretary-General on the Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicates that only 17 percent of the targets are on track. Nearly half of the goals show minimal or moderate progress, and over a third have either stalled or regressed. The Sustainable Development Report 2024 highlights that significant investment and more efficient collaborations are essential to propel crucial transitions in areas such as food, energy, and digital connectivity, thereby unlocking progress across all the SDGs. Furthermore, the Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024 alarmingly highlights that at the current pace, the region will not achieve all 17 SDGs before 2062.
The 2024 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), emphasized the need to fully harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while addressing its challenges. Actions that leverage science, technology, and innovation are crucial for facilitating sustainable development. At the Eleventh Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development, representatives emphasized leveraging science and technology, promoting digital solutions, and enhancing digital connectivity as key measures for achieving inclusive development and accelerating SDG progress.
The UN General Assembly on 11 March 2024 adopted a landmark resolution on the promotion of “safe, secure and trustworthy” artificial intelligence (AI) systems for sustainable development. The resolution calls on Member States and invites stakeholders to accessing the benefits of new and emerging technologies and AI innovation to achieve all 17 SDGs. At the 23rd Session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA), the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) was discussed as a key element in reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and ensuring the no one is left behind.
AI is increasingly being utilized globally, offering immense potential benefits such as augmenting human capabilities, enhancing the well-being of individuals, and fostering societal growth. Its rapid evolution has significantly transformed industries and daily life, providing opportunities to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. AI can also help bridge digital divides and support least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS), enabling them to fully benefit from the digital transformation.
However, AI advancement brings challenges and ethical concerns, including privacy, security, potential misuse, and unequitable distribution of benefits. There is a risk of widening the digital divide as access to AI-driven tools and resources may be unevenly distributed. For instance, less developed economies from LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS could be further marginalized and unable to exploit opportunities provided by AI-based solutions for sustainable development. Structural and systemic barriers, such as geographical constraints, limited infrastructure, and resource disparities, hinder their digital access. To address these concerns, governments play a crucial role as both regulators and users of AI, ensuring that robust governance frameworks are established.
As we enter the era of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), we are witnessing the emergence of AI transformation in the public sector. This new phase involves applying AI technologies to government work process and methods, aiming to revolutionize governance through a self- evolving strategic intelligence approach. By leveraging AI across all work processes to analyse data, governments worldwide are keen on maximizing efficiency and productivity. They aim to find better solutions to problems and support decision-making through an evolving intelligent approach.
AI technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to accelerate progress towards the SDGs by enhancing efficiency, innovation, and decision-making across various domains such as healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and poverty alleviation. At this critical turning point, developing shared governance principles, insitutional arrangements, and legislation across governments and sectors is essential to ensure AI positively contributes to achieving the SDGs and beyond.
III. OBJECTIVES
The 8th Regional Symposium aims to accelerate progress toward the SDGs across Asia and the Pacific and beyond by leveraging effective governance and artificial intelligence. Bringing together participants from LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS, and guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the symposium seeks to achieve the following specific objectives:
- Share experiences for AI-Driven Public Service Innovation: Provide country experiences and expertise to help United Nations Member States build their capacities for incorporating AI technologies into public service delivery thus enhancing their ability to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Explore Actionable and Innovative Solutions for SDG acceleration: Explore the interconnections between effective governance, artificial intelligence, digital inclusion, and sustainable development, enabling participants to learn and implement actionable and integrated approaches at various levels of government.
- Foster the Advancement of Commitments: Provide a platform for Member States to accelerate their actions on the SDGs by facilitating learning and knowledge exchange, thereby advancing commitments made at the High-Level Political Forum 2024 and the Summit of the Future.
- Facilitate Regional Cooperation: Encourage and facilitate regional cooperation among stakeholders to support effective governance and AI transformation in public administration.
IV. STRUCTURE AND METHODOLOGY
The Symposium will be held in a hybrid format in Incheon, the Republic of Korea, from 30 October to 1 November 2024. It is anticipated that the Regional Symposium will also provide ample opportunities for online engagement to ensure wide-ranging participation.
The Symposium will consist of a high-level opening, followed by a setting-the-scene session, four thematic sessions, one special session, a local governance forum, a youth session, a learning lab, and field visits. The special session will present the trends and key findings of the 2024 UN eGovernment Survey for Asia and the Pacific. The Symposium will be conducted in English.
V. THEMATIC AREAS
The Symposium will feature a high-level opening session and a setting-the-scene session titled “Artificial Intelligence and the SDGs – Paving the Way for Accelerating Action”. The Symposium will then be structured around four thematic sessions in line with the Quintet of Change for the UN 2.0, highlighted by the United Nations Secretary-General, the Symposium will examine:
- Revolutionizing Public Administration: AI-Driven Innovation and Transformation
- Digital Inclusion and AI: Fostering Equitable Innovation and Inclusive Governance Resilient Communities: AI for Early Warning Systems and Resilience
- AI Ethics: Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector
The Symposium will also feature a Local Governance Forum and Partnership, Unveiling Insights: Asia-Pacific Launch of the UN E-Government Survey 2024, a Learning Lab on Strategic Foresight and AI: Shaping Forward-Looking Policies and a Youth Session.
Setting the Scene: Artificial Intelligence and the SDGs – Paving the Way for Accelerating Action
This session aims to set the stage for the Regional Symposium, providing an opportunity to share the finding of the Sustainable Development Report 2024, the outcome of the Summit of the Future and highlight the key elements of the newly adopted Global Digital Compact. The focus will then shift to AI’s pivotal role in driving transformative action to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The discussion will explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing public administration for better service delivery and deriving strategic benefits for advancing the sustainable development goals. Experts will share insights and recommendations on how AI can address both current and future challenges in SDG implementation.
Thematic Session 1. Revolutionizing Public Administration: AI-Driven Innovation and Transformation
AI revolutionizing public administration by enhancing policymaking, governance, and operational efficiency, while enabling innovative and efficient approaches across various sectors. By embracing AI technologies and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, government agencies can unlock new opportunities for efficiency, effectiveness, and citizen empowerment, thereby accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. AI technologies, such as deep learning, large language models (LLMs) and small language models (SLMs) are being utilized to improve service delivery, automate routine tasks, and provide predictive analytics for better decision-making. However, for AI to reach its full potential in the public administration, addressing challenges in data management and governance is crucial.
The United Nations emphasize the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in AI applications to avoid biases and ensure data privacy and security. Governments need to develop robust data governance frameworks that uphold citizens’ rights while enabling the effective use of AI. The future of AI in the public sector hinges on the establishment of adaptive ecosystems and effective governance structures, which will be fundamental in building trust and ensuring that AI- driven transformations are socially beneficial and aligned with broader sustainable development goals.
This session will delve into the revolutionary potential of AI in transforming public administration. Participants will explore the integration of AI technologies into various government functions, such as public service delivery, policy implementation, and informed decision making. The session will highlight the potential of AI to automate routine tasks, enhance decision-making process, and provide personalized citizen services, significantly improving efficiency, accessibility, and transparency in government operations.
Case studies showcasing successful AI implementation in different countries will be presented to illustrate the transformmative impact of AI on public services. These examples will demonstrate how AI can streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve service delivery outcomes. The session will also address challenges and strategies for scaling AI innovations across different government levels and sectors, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration and investment in digital infrastructure.
Thematic Session 2. Digital Inclusion and AI: Fostering Equitable Innovation and Inclusive Governance
As the pace of AI innovation continues to accelerate, governments must avoid creating yet another digital divide by striking a careful balance between innovation, regulation, and inclusion. While AI offers opportunities to address the off-track SDGs, it also poses new risks, threatening to increase disinformation, deepen inequalities, and exacerbate existing discrimination. There is also a risk of inadequate inclsuion in AI, as the advancement of AI technologies and the evolution of AI governance are predominantly led by the Global North. This unequal distribution of technology can affect transparency and trust between and among countries. Additionally, the lack of accurate representation of disadvantaged groups in the AI development and governance process leads to discriminatory of biased outcomes. Urgent action is needed to mitigate these risks while maximizing its promise. The fact that a third of the world’s population is not yet online, and is losing out as a result, shows how digital divides can increase inequalities between developed and developing countries, men and women, young and elderly, rich and poor, and urban and rural areas.
To ensure digital inclusion or all, a robust governance framework for AI in the public sector is essential. Such a framework should encompass comprehensive policies that prioritise equitable access to technology, transparent data management practices, and stringent privacy protections. This includes creating regulations that prevent biases in AI algorithms, promoting digital literacy programs to empower marginalised communities, and fostering public-private partnerships to bridge the digital divide. By implementing these measures, governments can build an inclusive digital ecosystem that leverages AI for the benefit of every individual, regardless of their socio- economic status or geographic location.
In the AI transformation era, digital inclusion expands beyond mere access to technology. It involves ensuring that all individuals and communities can benefit from AI technologies and participate in an AI-driven society. Moreover, the adopted UN resolution promoting “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI Systems for Sustainable Development” emphasizes that achieving digital inclusion requires strengthened cooperation to bridge digital divides between and within countries.
The session aims to discuss an inclusive approach to ensure AI’s benefits are accessible to all. It will explore ways to address these issues by adopting a gender-sensitive perspective and considering the needs of people in vulnerable situation within AI governance. Also, the session will focus on closing digital divides and accelerating progress across the Sustainable Development Goals. Emphasizing digital inclusion, participants will learn about the socio-economic benefits, such as enhanced connectivity, improved digital literacy skills and capacities, and support for digital public goods.
Thematic Session 3. Resilient Communities: AI for Early Warning Systems and Resilience
The alarming increase in the frequency and intensity of natural hazards and disasters in recent years has underscored the urgent need for resilient communities equipped with advancing Early Warning Systems (EWS). The UN Secretary-General calls for protecting everyone on Earth through universal coverage of EWS by 2017 through Early Warning for All Initiative. Traditional systems have often been hampered by limitations in data collection and analysis, resulting in delayed or inaccurate warnings. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in these systems represents a transformative approach to disaster preparedness and response. AI can process vast amounts of data from various sources, such as weather forecasts, satellite imagery, and social media feeds, to predict and monitor potential hazards with unprecedented accuracy. By integrating machine learning algorithms and real-time analytics, AI-driven EWS can provide timely alerts, enabling communities to take proactive measures to mitigate risks and enhance their resilience against natural hazards and crises. It is important to reiterate that AI has the potential to significantly contribute to building resilient communities by facilitating efficient resource allocation and improving emergency response strategies. AI systems can analyze historical data and identify patterns that help in planning and executing disaster response and recovery efforts. For instance, AI can optimize evacuation routes, ensure the effective distribution of relief supplies, and support the restoration of critical infrastructure.
This session will explore the role of AI in enhancing Early Warning Systems and building resilient communities. Topics will include the use of AI for early warning systems, predictive analytics for disaster preparedness, and real-time response coordination. The session will showcase successful AI applications in mitigating the impacts of natural hazards, emphasizing the importance of integrating AI into national and local disaster management frameworks. Participants will learn about innovative AI tools and technologies that have been effectively deployed to enhance disaster resilience. The session will also discuss the challenges and opportunities of using AI for disaster risk reduction, particularly in developing countries. Attendees will gain insights into good practices for implementing AI-driven disaster management solutions and the importance of cross-sector collaboration to enhance community resilience.
Thematic Session 4. AI Ethics: Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector
AI-driven public solutions require ethical practices and thoughtful policies to promote the development and deployment of AI systems that are responsible, transparent, and fair, while also maximizing positive impacts for the citizens. Policy frameworks and guidelines are required to ensure the positive impact of AI technologies through ethical guidelines, data governance, transparency, inclusivity, accountability, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, monitoring, evaluation, and collaboration. The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence recognizes that the usage of AI technologies in the public sector can deepen existing divides and inequalities in the world, within and between counties, where justice, trust, fairness, and ethics must be upheld so that no country and no one will be left behind in and during AI transformation.
This session will focus on the ethical standards and the governance frameworks necessary for the responsible utilization of AI in the public sector. Topics to be discussed include UNESCO’s the ten core principles in a human-rights centred approach to the Ethics of AI – (1) proportionality and do no harm, (2) safety and security, (3) right to privacy and data protection, (4) multi-stakeholder and adaptive governance and collaboration, (5) responsibility and accountability, (6) transparency and explainability, (7) human oversight and determination, (8) sustainability, (9) awareness and literacy, and (10) fairness and non-discrimination. The session will also explore the role of international cooperation in developing harmonizing AI public governance standards. Participants will gain insights into the ethical challenges posed by AI and the importance of building responsibility and public trust in AI systems through robust governance. Discussions will also cover the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation of AI systems to ensure they adhere to ethical standards and contribute positively to public welfare.
Local Governance and Partnership Forum Innovative Local Governance through Smart Cities: Leveraging AI for Public Services through a Citizen-centered Approach
Technological innovation, including AI, is reshaping how we approach almost every sphere of life, and cities are no exception. AI has emerged as a transformative force, promising unparalleled advancements in smart city planning and management. AI is becoming a key component of smart cities – creating more efficiency, improving public services, and enabling more tailored, fast interaction must prioritize citizens’ needs and be leveraged to promote greater equity, prosperity, and sustainability.
AI presents an unprecedented opportunity to address urban problems. By leveraging algorithms and urban data, it can automate decision-making at a speed and scale beyond human capability. Like any transformative opportunity, integrating AI into urban environments presents challenges and risks that must be addressed to ensure AI benefits society. Therefore, as we advance AI integration in cities and settlements, our efforts must be grounded in and supportive of the human rights framework, and they must be sustainable, inclusive, and tailored to local contexts.
The Local Governance and Partnership Forum will discuss the responsible integration of AI in smart cities governance. The Forum will also explore citizen-centered services based on recent smart city trends, aiming to implement human-centred solutions. Smart cities comprise several key components that integrate technology and data to improve urban living: public safety (e.g., surveillance and crime management), public transportation, environment and energy (e.g., waste control), medicine and healthcare, education, and digital inclusion. The Forum will include a panel discussion in which experts from various institutions and countries will come and present how smart cities were initiated and spread throughout their countries.
Special Session. Unveiling Insights: the UN E-Government Survey 2024: Asia and Pacific Trends and Key Findings
This special session will unveil the findings of the UN E-Government Survey 2024, which assesses the progress of e-government development across the globe. The survey provides insights into how governments are leveraging digital technologies to enhance public administration and deliver services more effectively. The session will include a detailed analysis of the survey results, highlighting best practices, emerging trends, and areas requiring improvement. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the implications of these findings for their own e-government strategies and share experiences on successful digital transformations.
Participants will also learn about the methodologies used in the E-Government Survey and the indicators that measure the effectiveness of digital governance. The session will emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making and the role of e-government in achieving the SDGs. By understanding the survey’s key findings, participants can better align their digital strategies with global best practices and accelerate the implementation of e-government initiatives in their countries.
Youth Session: Shaping a Future of AI for and by the Youth
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the role of AI has become pivotal, influencing various aspects of daily life, from education, health, and career prospects. As AI continuous to transform various sectors more than ever, it is crucial to engage the youth in both the development and ethical implementation of these technologies. Young people are no strangers to digital technology. They are surrounded by AI, however their ability to navigate technology varies widely depending on the level of access and resources available to them. As digital natives, today’s youth are uniqely positioned to drive innovation and ensure that AI technology develops in ways that reflect their values, needs, and aspirations. With AI technology right across their hands, more youth are provided with opportunity of innovation and adaptability to embrace AI technology into very facet of their lives.
The Youth Session on Shaping a Future of AI for and by the Youth, will aim to engage participants to explore how AI has influenced young people’s behaviour and thinking, and look into the risk on data privacy, security, and data bias. It will aim to tackle the impact of AI on young people’s lives and develop their literacy to leverage artificial intelligence for the 2030 Agenda. The Youth Session will provide a space for the participants to understand the complexities of AI while empowering them to think critically about tits role and potential in their lives and society.
Learning Lab. Strategic Foresight and AI: Shaping Forward-Looking Policies
Strategic foresight is crucial in the domain of AI due to the unpredictable nature of AI advancements and its significant societal impact. It involves a methodical approach to predicting and shaping future developments by leveraging collective intelligence to navigate AI’s uncertain impacts on society. The unpredictability of AI arises not only from rapid technological advancements but also from the ethical, social, and political implications these advancements bring. This necessitates a structured methodology to anticipate and prepare for various future scenarios.
AI’s potential to transform every aspect of human life demands careful consideration and strategic planning to ensure these changes are beneficial. The scope of AI’s impact requires a proactive approach to its development and implementation, ensuring alignment with ethical principles and societal values. Strategic foresight allows stakeholders to explore future scenarios, assess potential opportunities and challenges, and devise strategies to effectively navigate these possibilities.
Employing strategic foresight in AI involves systematic exploration of future possibilities through trend analysis, informed forecasting, and consideration of diverse outcomes. This enables stakeholders to make informed decisions today that will shape future trajectory of AI development. By proactively preparing for and influencing AI’s evolution, stakeholders can ensure it develops in ways that are ethical, beneficial, and aligned with human values, ultimately maximizing AI’s potential for positive societal impact.
This hands-on workshop will delve into the significance of strategic foresight in the context of AI, providing participants with practical tools and methodologies, such as scenario planning and trend analysis, to apply in their respective fields. Participants will learn to integrate these techniques into policymaking and governance to boost resilience and adaptability, exploring practical examples of strategic foresight in addressing complex issues and enhancing long-term planning. The session will emphasize the necessity of a forward-looking approach that accounts for emerging trends and potential disruptions, offering practical recommendations for developing foresight capabilities within public institutions and fostering a culture of proactive governance, ultimately maximizing the opportunities of AI presents for enhancing global well-being and progress.
