Data ICT Digital
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, trust is an essential component in the widespread adoption of emerging technologies. With artificial intelligence (AI) and big data playing a larger role in public decision-making, ensuring the ethical use of these technologies is a global priority.
Additionally, challenges in international data sharing, research collaboration, and digital governance have highlighted the necessity of fostering trust through regulatory frameworks, multi-stakeholder cooperation, and community engagement.
Objectives
Promote digital trust and governance frameworks: Develop multi-stakeholder collaboration mechanisms that ensure transparency, accountability, and equity in digital ecosystems.
Leverage data science for SDG achievement: Utilize data-driven solutions in health, education, and governance to enhance sustainable development initiatives.
Overcome academic, digital, and research divides in LMICs: Strengthen the research capacity and access to knowledge resources for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Strengthen ethical AI governance: Foster ethical principles in AI development and deployment, ensuring digital transformations are inclusive and aligned with human rights principles.
Enhance economic, social, and environmental integration through STI: Foster a multi-dimensional approach to sustainable development through innovative science and technology solutions
Implementing SDGs
Building Trust in the Digital Age
During the session on “Building Trust in the Digital Age,” Suzanne Dumouchel convened a diverse panel to discuss the importance of fostering trust in digital environments. Mei Lin Fung from the People Centered Internet emphasized the need for digital inclusivity to bridge the digital divide. She highlighted projects that use digital platforms to empower underserved communities by providing access to reliable information.
Declan Kirrane from ISC Intelligence discussed the role of private sector partnerships in advancing digital infrastructure. By collaborating with governments and NGOs, ISC has developed initiatives that strengthen digital literacy, particularly in regions prone to misinformation.
Data Science for Health and Sustainable Development
Dr. Michelle Skelton of the DS-I Africa Consortium opened the session on leveraging data science to achieve the SDGs. The consortium, which includes experts from across 21 African countries, focuses on using AI to enhance maternal and child health outcomes. By creating robust data ecosystems, they are addressing health disparities and contributing to SDGs 3 (Good Health) and 4 (Quality Education).
In Kenya, Dr. Job Nyangena Nyameino from the Ministry of Health showcased the national digital health strategy. This strategy integrates AI and data analytics to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Partnerships with institutions like New York University and Aga Khan University have been crucial in training local healthcare workers to use these technologies effectively.
Dr. Rumi Chunara from NYU School of Global Public Health discussed the Data Science for Social Determinants (DSSD) program, which uses digital platforms to collect data on social determinants of health. This data helps governments design more targeted interventions to reduce health inequities.
Overcoming Academic and Digital Divides
The session led by Bulat Ziganshin focused on overcoming barriers that limit LMICs’ access to global research platforms. Nelson Sewankambo from Makerere University highlighted the challenges African institutions face in publishing research due to high subscription costs. By promoting open-access platforms, initiatives are being taken to democratize scientific knowledge.
Mitra Sadigh from Yale New Haven Hospital emphasized the need for bidirectional knowledge exchange. Her work with the Majid Sadigh Global Health Academy aims to enhance LMIC participation in global health research, ensuring that local experts are at the forefront of decision-making processes.
Hurdles to International Science Cooperation
Allen Pope moderated a session on data sharing, highlighting the critical role of international cooperation in advancing scientific research. Martin Mokroš from University College London discussed the COST Action 20118 project, which uses 3D technologies to monitor forest ecosystems. This initiative shows how data sharing across borders can enhance environmental sustainability efforts.
Mak Saito from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute shared insights on the BioGeoSCAPES project, which focuses on marine biodiversity. By leveraging international data networks, the project is helping to address SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Digital Transformation in Healthcare
The “Data Science Driven Approach” session featured Dr. Geoffrey Siwo from the University of Michigan, who presented on AI-driven models to predict maternal health outcomes. By using local datasets, these models have improved early detection of pregnancy complications, reducing mortality rates in East Africa.
Prof. Keymanthri Moodley of Stellenbosch University discussed the ethical challenges of using AI in healthcare. Her work with the REDSSA project emphasizes the need for responsible AI governance to protect patient privacy while maximizing the benefits of digital health tools.
Empowering LMIC Researchers
Fiona Makoni from the University of Zimbabwe shared how her institution is building capacity in digital research through partnerships with HICs. By training young scientists in data management and AI, they are addressing local healthcare challenges, contributing to SDGs 8 (Decent Work) and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
Dr. Abhay Gaidhane from Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research presented on the use of AI in predicting public health trends. His work has led to more efficient allocation of resources in underserved regions, enhancing healthcare outcomes and reducing inequalities.
Goals
Strengthening trust in digital platforms: Establish policy recommendations to enhance transparency in AI decision-making and mitigate biases in digital governance.
Facilitating cross-border scientific collaboration: Develop international frameworks for ethical and secure data sharing.
Enhancing digital literacy and combating misinformation: Promote community-driven educational initiatives to improve critical thinking in digital spaces.
Investing in data science infrastructure for public health: Support research centers focusing on AI applications for disease prediction and healthcare optimization.
Fostering global partnerships: Strengthen collaborations between governments, academia, and private sector organizations to ensure sustainable technological advancements.
Contribution to the SDGs
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Digital health innovations to enhance public healthcare systems.
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Developing digital infrastructures to support scientific advancements.
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): Addressing digital trust and ethical AI governance.
SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Strengthening international cooperation in data science and technology policy.
Economic, Social, and Environmental Impact
Economic: Advancements in data science create employment opportunities in AI development, cybersecurity, and data management.
Social: Digital governance frameworks ensure equitable access to knowledge and participation in the digital economy.
Environmental: AI-driven solutions enhance climate action strategies, from monitoring biodiversity to optimizing renewable energy systems.
Impact on the 2030 Agenda
The projects align with the UN’s six transitions, particularly in digital connectivity, education, and sustainable governance. Focusing on trust in digital spaces ensures that no one is left behind in the digital economy.
Ethical AI frameworks and transparent data-sharing policies help create an inclusive environment for technological advancements that align with sustainable development principles.
Way Forward
Expand interdisciplinary research collaborations: Establish global networks to address pressing digital trust challenges.
Advocate for digital governance policies: Encourage the adoption of international ethical AI regulations.
Develop capacity-building programs in LMICs: Strengthen education initiatives in digital literacy and research methodologies.
Promote ethical AI frameworks: Standardize data-sharing agreements and ethical considerations in AI development.
Enhance international funding for STI initiatives: Secure global investments to support sustainable digital infrastructure development.
Conclusions
Bridging digital divides through scientific cooperation, ethical AI frameworks, and robust data policies is essential for sustainable development.
Strengthening partnerships, investing in digital infrastructure, and fostering global knowledge-sharing platforms will accelerate progress toward the SDGs. Governments, academic institutions, and private organizations must collaborate to ensure that digital trust mechanisms are implemented effectively worldwide.