World Economic Forum Reveals Plan for Fair and Inclusive AI

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has introduced a plan detailing how AI can enhance inclusivity in global economic development and societal advancement. It also underlines the obstacles in ensuring these benefits are distributed fairly among all countries and populations.

Created alongside KPMG, the plan outlines nine strategic goals to aid government leaders, organizations, and key stakeholders at every stage of the AI process – from innovation to implementation – at local, national, and international scales. The strategies are designed to close gaps in AI accessibility, infrastructure, advanced computing, and skill enhancement to encourage sustainable, long-term prosperity.

Cathy Li, Head of AI, Data, and the Metaverse at the WEF, remarked: “Using AI for economic expansion and societal advancement is a shared ambition, yet countries and regions have different starting points.

“This initiative acts as a navigator, steering decision-makers toward collaboration that brings results and practical solutions to unlock AI's complete potential.”

The core belief of the 'Blueprint for Intelligent Economies' is that effective AI integration must cater to the specific needs of local communities—requiring strong leadership and collaboration among governments, enterprises, entrepreneurs, civil society organizations, and end users.

Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, stated: “AI holds a vast untapped potential in many areas globally. Establishing an inclusive and competitive AI framework is an essential objective for every nation.

“Collaboration among multiple stakeholders at national, regional, and global scales will be crucial to promoting growth and prosperity through AI for all.”

Through approaches tailored to geographic and cultural distinctions, the WEF report suggests countries can design AI systems that tackle local challenges while providing a solid foundation for innovation, investment, and ethical governance. The report uses case studies from countries at different levels of AI development to demonstrate practical, scalable solutions.

For example, cross-border partnerships on shared AI frameworks and resource pooling (like energy or centralized databanks) are emphasized as methods to bypass resource limitations. Public-private subsidies to make AI-equipped devices more affordable offer another fair way forward. These strategies intend to reduce barriers for local businesses and innovators, allowing them to utilize AI technologies and expand their operations.

Hatem Dowidar, Chief Executive Officer of E&, expressed: “Every country has a unique opportunity to enhance their economic and societal development through AI. This requires a cooperative approach of strategic leadership from governments, actively backed by engagement from all stakeholders at each phase of the AI journey.

“Regional and global collaborations are essential pathways to tackling shared challenges and opportunities, ensuring fair access to critical AI resources, and maximizing its transformative power responsibly for enduring benefits for everyone.”

Although the blueprint features nine strategic aims, three have received special attention as primary areas for national AI strategies:

Developing resilient, scalable, and environmentally sustainable AI infrastructure is critical for innovation. However, achieving this vision will require significant investment, energy, and cross-industry cooperation. Countries must work together to ensure that intelligent economies evolve in both fair and sustainable ways.

The potential of AI is closely linked to the accessibility and quality of the data it can utilize. This strategic aim tackles obstacles such as data availability, imbalance, and control. By ensuring datasets are inclusive, diverse, and reflect local languages and cultures, developers can build fair AI models that reduce bias and cater to the requirements of all communities.

Governance frameworks are vital for minimizing risks related to misuse, bias, and ethical violations. By establishing stringent standards from the beginning, nations can develop trust in AI systems, forming the basis for responsible use and innovation. These measures are particularly crucial for promoting human-centered AI beneficial to all society.

The general framework laid out in the report consists of three layers:

The Forum is also advocating for a multi-stakeholder method for global AI integration, combining public and private collaboration. Policymakers are being urged to adopt supportive laws and incentives to stimulate innovation and widen AI's reach. Examples include lifelong learning programs to ready workers for an AI-powered future and financial strategies that enable better technology access in underserved areas.

The WEF’s latest initiative reflects the increasing global acknowledgment that AI will be a fundamental aspect of the future economy. However, it emphasizes that the benefits of this transformative technology must be equitably distributed to promote societal advancement and ensure inclusivity.

The Blueprint for Intelligent Economies provides a guide for nations to leverage AI while addressing structural barriers that might otherwise exacerbate existing inequalities. By championing inclusivity, adopting strong governance, and prioritizing community-centric decision-making, the WEF aims to lead governments, industries, and innovators toward a sustainable and intelligent future.