REDMOND, Wash., and ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Sept. 17, 2024 — Microsoft Corp. and G42 have announced two significant initiatives aimed at promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration builds on a partnership initiated earlier this year, with more developments expected in the coming months.
The first initiative involves establishing two new centers in Abu Dhabi to advance Responsible AI goals. The first center, co-founded and co-funded by G42 and Microsoft with the endorsement of Abu Dhabi’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), will focus on developing best practices and industry standards for AI usage in the Middle East and the Global South. The second initiative is the expansion of Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab into Abu Dhabi, supporting AI projects that address societal goals.
The first center will bring together academic researchers and AI practitioners from the private sector to develop and share emerging Responsible AI best practices. Both G42 and Microsoft are committed to working closely with this center to facilitate knowledge exchange across regions.
Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab will open its first center in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi. This lab aims to collaborate with nonprofit organizations and partners to tackle economic and societal challenges across the Middle East and Africa. In coordination with an existing team in Nairobi, it will prioritize developing large language models for underrepresented languages, enhance food security, strengthen climate resilience through high-resolution geospatial data applications, and improve disaster preparedness.
The partnership will work alongside AIATC, which was established in January to develop plans and research programs that enhance Abu Dhabi's standing in artificial intelligence and advanced technology fields.
These initiatives build on Microsoft's commitment to implementing Responsible AI standards, ensuring safe development, deployment, and usage of generative AI models. G42 is adopting these policies as part of their partnership commitments made to both U.S. and UAE governments.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, stated: “Today’s steps will add to the important progress Microsoft and G42 are making to broaden access to the responsible, safe, and secure use of artificial intelligence.”
Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, commented: “By advancing Responsible AI together with Microsoft, we are creating a framework for AI to serve all of humanity.”
Since launching their partnership in April under the Intergovernmental Assurance Agreement's commitments with support from both governments, G42 has adhered strictly to business conduct policies set by U.S. regulations.
This strategic collaboration aims to bring advanced technology solutions to underserved regions like the global south while addressing social challenges. A notable project includes a $1 billion investment in Kenya leveraging geothermal energy.
Additionally, migrating G42’s legacy public cloud infrastructure to Microsoft Azure began in November 2023 as planned. This migration is essential for secure operations.
Microsoft and G42 emphasize trust, security, shared values, regulatory compliance standards within their collaboration contributing positively towards global technological advancement.
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