Conference launches plan to unlock AI's potential for social good

By Yang Xiaoyu| (chinadaily.com.cn)| Updated : 2023-06-28

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For example, Google Arts & Culture utilizes image recognition and processing technology to present seven million artworks and more than 22,000 exhibitions in an all-round, immersive way. Taking advantage of technologies such as natural language processing and optical character recognition, Douyin Group created the "Reading Classic Ancient Books" platform, where readers can read, study and photocopy more than 1,200 ancient books, free of charge.

Tencent Charity Foundation and Microsoft stood out in leveraging AI technology in protecting wildlife.

Tencent developed the country's first snow leopard conservation data platform by capitalizing on technologies such as AI-based image recognition and cloud storage.

"Tencent's digital solution has increased the efficiency of species identification, data logging and analysis by almost 50 percent, liberating conservation workers from tedious and taxing work," said Liu Zhouhong, the foundation's deputy secretary general.

Working with Shanshui Conservation Center, an NGO, Microsoft developed an infrared camera intelligent management system by using image recognition and machine learning technology. This system has increased the efficiency of wildlife monitoring and relevant research work.

Microsoft was also recognized for its effort in tapping AI to create a digitally inclusive environment for the visually impaired.

Since 2005, the tech giant has been working with Hongdandan - a Beijing-based nonprofit committed to helping people with visual disabilities. By using its AI chatbot, Xiaobing, the company has created a plethora of audio storybooks for blind children. With deep learning speech synthesis, Microsoft has developed the AI voice of Chinese actress Zhou Xun, who is known for her unique vocal timbre, to create characterful avatars to replace costly original voice dubbing.

"We believe AI technology is not meant to replace human beings, but to amplify human ingenuity, expand our capabilities and enable us to achieve more," said Yang Changhua, general manager of public and legal affairs of Microsoft Greater China Region.

At the event, Michael Campbell, Nicaragua's ambassador to China, shared how his country has been utilizing AI-enabled solutions in a broad range of the country's sectors, including healthcare, agriculture and education. Danilo Casertano, president of Manes, an association dedicated to education renewal in Italy, shared how AI tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney have been empowering community education in his country.

Liang pointed out even though AI's power in promoting social good has grown by leaps and bounds, the global collaboration of AI4SG should still be deepened, application scenarios of AI4SG expanded and communication channels of AI4SG broadened.

Liang said WIC will take four actions to enforce the plan (2023-2025) and unleash AI's potential in promoting social good.

First, WIC will establish a global collaborative mechanism for AI4SG which involves relevant international organizations, social good organizations, academic institutions, foreign embassies and consulates in China, enterprises, and other relevant entities.

Second, WIC will promote cooperation in AI4SG projects around the world by selecting standardized, replicable and representative mature projects to implement them in countries and regions in need.

Third, WIC will promote AI through training, hold vocational education programs related to AI such as data processing, tagging and data cleansing in less developed countries and regions, create jobs for local people, and help developing countries build digital employment centers.

Lastly, WIC will strengthen global exchanges and dissemination of AI4SG by establishing an international communication platform to raise the public awareness of this field.

Themed on The Age of AI: Building a Digital World of Exchanges, Mutual Learning, and Inclusiveness, the Nishan Dialogue attracted about 400 representatives from governments, enterprises, international organizations and the global academia.

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