IIGF 2024 Panel Discussion on "Enabling AI for All, by All" Explores Inclusive AI Solutions for India

Dr. B. Shadrach, Director of the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia, the regional centre of Commonwealth of Learning in Asia, participated as a panellist in the India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2024’s Session on “Enabling AI for All, by All” held on 9 December 2024 in New Delhi, India. He advocated for the integration of open education systems and AI to empower marginalised communities. He highlighted how AI literacy driven initiatives could enable the excluded in using this technology for their benefit.

In particular, Dr Shadrach mentioned COL-CEMCA's AI literacy initiatives for schoolteachers, farmers, and factory workers. He informed that COL-CEMCA is piloting an innovative AI literacy programme for 10,000 farmers in collaboration with Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University. The MP Bhoj Open University has also shown keen interest in translating the course into Hindi with the help of Bhashini, and scaling it up among farmers in the Hindi-speaking belt. Dr Shadrach called for a national AI literacy mission to promote awareness and adoption of AI technologies while ensuring that they align with the needs of excluded communities. 

The discussion was moderated by Mr. Gaurav Sharma, International AI Policy and Advocacy Advisor. Among other eminent panellists, Mr. Ajai Garg, Advisor at Koan Advisory and Director, Digital Tech & Law Group, Anand & Anand Associates, emphasised the importance of designing AI policies that balance proprietary and public goods, positioning the internet as a global common good. He noted that India's alternate digital model reflects a commitment to inclusivity and public benefit. Ms. Kirti Seth, Former CEO of IT-ITES Sector Skills Council, NASSCOM, underscored the layered challenges in AI skilling and called for integrating skilling efforts with education. 

Ms. Aparajita Bharti, Partner at The Quantum Hub, highlighted the gender dimensions in AI, cautioning against perpetuating societal biases. She urged the inclusion of more women in AI development to ensure equitable systems. Ms. Charu Chadha, Tech Policy Expert, added that the future of AI spans from fields to labs, driving progress across sectors. Ms. Sonia Dosanjh, Associate Director at C-DAC Mohali, stressed the need for responsible AI solutions with diverse data sets, accessible designs, and explainable systems to address the unique challenges of India's underserved populations.

In conclusion, the session underscored India's potential to champion diverse, inclusive, and responsible AI solutions, setting an example for the global community.