ASTANA: The TechnoWomen Artificial Intelligence (AI) Forum commenced on April 17 in Astana with a roundtable discussion focused on the opportunities and risks associated with problem-solving systems.
The event, held in a hybrid format, gathered international experts, government officials, and private sector representatives to examine the profound implications of modern technologies and discuss international practices in their legal regulation.
Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries have embarked on a digital transformation journey, and the rapid advancement of AI underscores the importance of establishing a professional industry community to analyze best practices in technology application and coordinate common initiatives in the region in the long run.
In her welcoming remarks, Yelena Sedyh, Chairwoman of the TechnoWomen Strategic Council, emphasized that the event brought together influential individuals shaping AI development, including representatives of international organizations, specialists directly involved in AI development, and cybersecurity experts. The TechnoWomen non-profit organization aims to empower women in technology and expand opportunities for female entrepreneurship in Central Asia’s digital landscape.
Sharmista Appaya, the Global Business Line Lead for Digital Data Infrastructure at the World Bank Group, highlighted the evolution of AI since the 1950s and emphasized the recent rapid pace of change. She discussed new trends and opportunities in AI, emphasizing the importance of adoption speed, enhanced decision-making, and ethical development.
Kseniia Fontaine, Business Development and Operations Manager at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), stressed AI’s potential in achieving United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also warned of risks such as job displacement, biased data sets, and ethical concerns.
Natalia Myagchenkova, Chief Regulations Risk Officer at Yandex, provided insights into foreign experiences in AI legal regulation. She highlighted specific laws prohibiting discrimination in AI use and discussed regulatory systems in Canada and the European Union (EU), emphasizing the importance of safe AI development.
In June 2022, Canada introduced the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) as part of Bill C-27, aiming to ensure the safety and trustworthiness of AI systems. Myagchenkova also noted China’s comprehensive measures in AI development, emphasizing alignment with national values.
During a recent meeting, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of advancing science and technology, highlighting the need for an ecosystem supporting data and technology infrastructure access and creative approaches to AI development.
The TechnoWomen AI Forum in Astana serves as a platform for stakeholders to navigate the complex landscape of AI, fostering collaboration, and promoting responsible and inclusive AI development in Central Asia.
