Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 24 October 2024: Global Alliance on AI for Industry and Manufacturing participated in the second edition of the Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum (MIPF 2024), held by The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 23-24 October 2024 in Riyadh. The Forum provided a global platform to address pressing issues in industrial development, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, automation in manufacturing, the global energy transition, and sustainable and resilient supply chains for local value addition and job creation.
Organized with significant contributions from UNIDO’s Division of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence, and contributions from distinguished AIM Global members, MIPF 2024 featured high-level discussions, interactive sessions, and case studies aimed at advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Day 1- 23rd October 2024
High-Level Round Table on AI, Digitalization, and Automation
The opening session, moderated by Mr. Ciyong Zou, Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director at UNIDO, explored how digitalization and automation are revolutionizing manufacturing. Distinguished panelists included:
- Mr. Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Russian Federation
- Mr. Abdullah Alahmari, Assistant Minister of Planning and Development, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Saudi Arabia
- Mr. Abdullah Alajlan, General Counsel, Siemens
Key Insights:
Russia’s AI Strategy:
Mr. Gruzdev highlighted Russia’s ambitious AI strategy, focusing on technological sovereignty, workforce adaptation, and data security. Key initiatives include the National Data Economy Project and an AI Code of Ethics, aiming to balance innovation with human oversight.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030:
Mr. Alahmari discussed Saudi Arabia’s transformative Vision 2030, emphasizing initiatives like the Future Factories program, which has driven productivity gains of up to 400%. Investments in digital infrastructure and scalable AI solutions are propelling the Kingdom toward a more sustainable and competitive industrial landscape.
Siemens’ Leadership in Digital Transformation:
Mr. Alajlan emphasized Siemens’ commitment to sustainable innovation, addressing risks like cybersecurity and workforce displacement. Siemens’ collaboration with educational institutions ensures inclusive adoption of AI technologies while fostering resilience across its operations.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Panelists identified workforce reskilling, ethical considerations, and cybersecurity as critical challenges in digital transformation. They called for stronger public-private partnerships to facilitate seamless integration of AI technologies.
“Digitalization, AI, and automation are fundamental drivers of industrial development,” said Mr. Zou. “Collaboration and ethical approaches are essential to harness these technologies for global progress.”
Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa Highlights Global Development Initiative at GDI Round Table on the New Industrial Revolution
Ms. Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa, Chief of the Division of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), delivered a keynote address at the GDI Partners Round Table on the New Industrial Revolution. In her remarks, she underscored the transformative potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the essential role of global partnerships in aligning technological innovation with sustainable development.
Collaborative Partnerships for Global Progress
Ms. Nishio de Sousa called for strengthened global collaboration, emphasizing the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships. She highlighted successful cooperative efforts under GDI, including the enhanced cooperation framework signed by UNIDO, the Chinese government, and Ethiopia to support industrial policies tailored to local needs.
“No nation can navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution alone. Strong partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and global cooperation are essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable industrial development.” said Ms. Nishio de Sousa. Furthermore she stated, “As we embrace the technological advancements of 4IR, we must ensure that sustainability remains at the forefront of our efforts.”
The Way Forward
Concluding her address, Ms. Nishio de Sousa stressed the need for unity in addressing the challenges and opportunities of 4IR. She reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment to catalyzing transformative changes and fostering inclusive industrial ecosystems that contribute to the global development agenda.
The round table marked a significant step in fostering collaboration among GDI partners, showcasing the synergies between digital transformation, industrial innovation, and sustainable development.
Day 2- 24th October 2024
Fireside Chat on AI Ethics and Sustainability
The second day featured a dynamic fireside chat on “Artificial Intelligence — Ethics and Sustainability,” moderated by Mr. Ashraf Abushady, Senior Advisor for Digital Transformation and AI at UNIDO, and featuring Ms. Isabella Mader, CEO of the Austrian Excellence Institute.
Key Takeaways:
- Ethical AI Deployment:
Ms. Mader emphasized addressing bias, ensuring data protection, and maintaining human accountability in AI systems. She highlighted the risks of losing public trust due to algorithmic biases, citing examples from the UK and Netherlands.
- Bridging the Digital Divide:
Ms. Mader stressed the need for investments in digital infrastructure, scalable solutions, and workforce training to ensure inclusivity. She warned against the risks of widening digital inequality, particularly in low-income countries.
- Balanced Regulation:
The session explored the balance between overregulation and underregulation in AI. While Europe’s AI Act aims for stringent safeguards, Ms. Mader cautioned against monopolizing AI governance through private-sector-led self-regulation.
- AI and Job Creation:
Debunking myths of mass unemployment, Ms. Mader presented research showing that AI empowers businesses to create more jobs and increase productivity while reducing working hours.
“AI won’t take your job, but the human with AI knowledge will,” noted Mr. Abushady, emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks and skills development.
Game-Changer Sessions: Pioneering Sustainable Manufacturing
Session 1A: Digitalization for Sustainable Manufacturing
Moderated by Ms. Ana Paula Nishio de Sousa, Chief of Digital Transformation and AI at UNIDO, this session spotlighted AIM GREEN, a benchmarking tool enabling manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices.
Key Highlights:
- Resource Efficiency: Innovations like real-time data monitoring and predictive analytics were discussed as key tools for reducing waste and optimizing industrial processes.
- Global Collaboration: Panelists shared success stories from Uzbekistan, Armenia, and China, showcasing how digital tools are driving sustainable industrial transformation.
Session 2A: AI and Manufacturing
This session, moderated by Mr. Aleksei Savrasov, Industrial Development Officer at UNIDO, explored AI-driven innovations in manufacturing.
Key Insights:
- AI in Operations: Panelists discussed AI’s role in predictive maintenance and process optimization, highlighting real-world applications in companies like General Laser GmbH and Innovent LLC.
- Overcoming Barriers: Workforce training, collaborative partnerships, and phased implementation were identified as strategies to overcome challenges in AI adoption.
About Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum
MIPF is a global platform that creates a space for Member States to engage in mutual learning, information exchange and knowledge sharing on cross-cutting thematic issues, such as greening the economy, digitalization and technology transfer, and the achievement of the SDGs. It aims to foster stronger multilateral collaboration on industrial development and policy issues at the regional and global levels between policymakers and practitioners, development researchers and business professionals.
For media inquiries, contact:
aim-global@unido.org
