JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia has expressed its interest in hosting the AI Global South Forum, an event organized by UNESCO that focuses on the development and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in emerging countries across Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. This initiative is part of Indonesia’s broader effort to play a leading role in global AI governance, particularly within developing nations.

The announcement was made by Nezar Patria, the Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, who highlighted that Indonesia’s readiness to host the forum is supported by its successful completion of UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). Indonesia became the first Southeast Asian country to achieve this milestone, a significant achievement that underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering a responsible and ethical AI ecosystem.

Speaking after a meeting with Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, Patria emphasized that this success demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to the ethical development of AI. “Our completion of the RAM assessment marks a key milestone in our collaboration with UNESCO,” Patria said during the meeting in Paris on February 13, 2025. He also expressed gratitude towards UNESCO for its support in facilitating the process.

Indonesia’s collaboration with UNESCO is expected to enhance the country’s position as a key player in the global AI development landscape. Patria further added that the country is eager to contribute to inclusive and sustainable AI governance while setting an example for other nations in the field of AI development. He noted that Indonesia’s expertise and experiences could benefit other countries looking to strengthen their own AI capabilities.

Gabriela Ramos, from UNESCO, welcomed Indonesia’s proposal to host the AI Global South Forum, slated to take place next year. Ramos praised Indonesia’s accomplishments and expressed confidence that the event would offer a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and advancing AI initiatives in the Global South. She stressed that Indonesia’s role could inspire other nations and help drive progress in AI governance worldwide.

Furthermore, Ramos encouraged Indonesian AI experts to actively engage in supporting other nations, particularly in helping them complete their own RAM assessments. “Indonesia has demonstrated exceptional leadership in AI development,” she noted. “We hope that the country will continue to contribute by sharing its experiences and providing support to other nations.”

Patria concluded by stating that Indonesia is ready to step up as a global leader in AI governance and innovation. Hosting the AI Global South Forum would further solidify the country’s role as a driving force in shaping the future of AI, particularly in emerging markets that are looking to leverage AI for development.

Indonesia’s proposal to host the AI Global South Forum not only highlights the country’s growing influence in the field of AI but also signals its readiness to collaborate globally on AI development. The event will provide a significant opportunity to showcase Indonesia’s leadership and share its insights with other nations in Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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