Why Networks? Why now ?

Alan Ross, with 40+ years of International Development activity in 70+ plus countries and deep commitment to improving things in the developing world, realised that AI, if harnessed effectively by the developing world , could help us deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a safer, fairer world for all. However, although there are many organisations individually trying to “do something” on SDGs and on AI in the developing world and many are doing good work, they all tend to work  in individual silos with their own agendas and with little horizontal coordination and hence have less impact than they could have . His own practical experience of previously leading the efforts at the World Bank  to establish a global public/private partnership (GRSP) now part of the Red Cross (IFRC), provided lessons. The numerous disparate organisations will only cooperate once there is a centralised Global body with the credibility to manage such coordination . However large organisations take time to make decisions, to  move and allocate resources but this AI issue is too urgent and cannot wait . Things are now moving at exponential speed and there is a real danger that the developing world will again be left behind.

Alan therefore decided to start addressing the problem personally until others are able to join in a more comprehensive effort.  He has been  providing information and resources to and has been mobilising and coordinating  3 networks to build up some momentum to get key decisionmakers and groups in the developing world to understand the urgency and the opportunities that AI provides. He is already connecting over 12,500 entrepreneurs, educators and advocates across the developing world through three global networks. This will at least get things started to help the developing world accelerate adoption of AI. Alan would be happy to hear from any organisations who might like to partner with him on this effort. The networks he has created are as follows.  

GAAN- Global AI Advocates Network

For government officials, senior policymakers and NGO leaders in developing countries. GAAN members, now  spanning 40+ countries, receive a free weekly newsletter to share with their colleagues on the most important AI developments in the previous week and what these mean for government strategy in terms of threats, benefits and opportunities. GAAN members are invited read his articles on AI issues and impacts on Linkedin , to view his videos on Youtube and to participate in his twice-monthly webinars covering important issues such as AI governance,  digital infrastructure, skills policy and national strategy. Success stories from  other developing countries are shown and governments are encouraged them to cooperate and take similar action. GAAN weekly newsletters are hosted on this website  and can be accessed by clicking the link below. Join us so we can raech our target of 100+ countries.  Contact Alan

🌐 www.global-ai.solutions   ✉  alan.ross@global-ai.solutions  ✉  GAAN Weekly Newsletter 

IAAD — International Association of AI Developers