Addressing the global AI challenge: How IDRC is contributing to the Canadian-led G7 commitment to advance responsible AI

Through AI for Development (AI4D) - its 110M CAD partnership with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – IDRC will contribute to the wider G7 AI for Prosperity agenda by ensuring that low- and middle-income countries have the tools and infrastructure to shape their digital future.  

Contributions will ensure researchers and innovators driving the development of responsible AI policy and tools in these countries have access to quality compute infrastructure. This showcases Canada’s leadership in global AI investments to spur innovation in alignment with the domestic AI agenda. 

“Canada and other G7 countries have a critical role to play in increasing access to AI for low- and middle-income countries around the world. Canada's investments in responsible AI are essential to expanding our partnerships with emerging markets. Partnerships and learning that benefit us all.”, said IDRC President Julie Delahanty.    

As part of a suite of measures announced at the G7 to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of artificial intelligence in Canada and around the world, IDRC is investing CAD 1.5 million under the banner of AI for Everyone to support compute infrastructure. This comes on top of Canada’s CAD 16 million commitment to AI4D. Together, these investments will support the development of responsible AI ecosystems in low- middle-income countries through improved infrastructure and inclusive, locally driven research and innovation.  

Launched in 2020, AI4D has developed into a rich ecosystem of AI policy and innovation labs that are closing crucial policy gaps and creating responsible AI tools that aim to help everyone from new mothers in rural Kenya who lack access to healthcare to farmers in Ghana struggling to adapt to changing climate conditions. 

Yet, these dynamic and innovative AI communities are being held back due to the limited access to reliable and affordable compute infrastructure, particularly in African countries. 

“Leaders from low- and middle-income countries are a driving force in building innovative AI solutions that can benefit their communities and the world,” said Delahanty. “Collective investments in AI ensure that we develop this technology responsibly to drive shared prosperity and mitigate against the potential risks it poses.”  

To address these challenges, the AI4D partnership will support greater access to critical resources such as graphic processing units, data centres, and cloud computing for the development of responsible AI. Drawing on the knowledge of its network of researchers and innovators, AI4D will also support research on low resource compute solutions and innovations, identify the needs of emerging markets and developing countries and ensure partners have the knowledge and know-how to build, test and maintain AI systems and compute infrastructure that are inclusive and sustainable.  

The G7 leaders’ statement also expressed the intention of members to expand the existing AI Funders Collaborative to which IDRC contributes to combat technological and social inequality by supporting inclusive, responsible AI made by and for communities. 

“Artificial intelligence holds extraordinary potential, but only if the tools, knowledge and power to shape it are accessible to all. By working hand in hand with innovators, researchers and institutions in emerging economies, IDRC and its partners are ensuring the creation of AI ecosystems that are inclusive and locally relevant.” continues Delahanty.  

“By building this agenda together Canada is engaging with emerging economies as a real partner and ally.” concludes Delahanty.