Event Recap: Ethics of Artificial Intelligence – A Regional Dialogue for Responsible Innovation

On October 29, 2024, StrategEast and RECONOMY gathered leaders from Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova for a roundtable discussion on the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on developing responsible AI frameworks in the region. 

With insights from government representatives, tech leaders and international organizations, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the European Union and the Center for AI and Digital Policy, the dialogue highlighted the importance of aligning AI development with ethical principles, human rights and global standards.

During the discussion, Veronika Myltseva from Juscutum noted: “Throughout the conversation, Valeriia confirmed the views of representatives from European institutions regarding the necessity of involving various stakeholders in addressing issues related to the implementation of AI regulation while simultaneously supporting businesses that create progressive AI solutions. Specifically, a powerful meeting point for this is the IT association and the innovators of change at Juscutum. Another important tool for developing AI solutions and adapting businesses to EU regulations is the Huderia risk assessment system, which allows for an effective evaluation of risks related to AI systems and provides recommendations for their minimisation and mitigation. Juscutum actively participates in the implementation of this system and advises businesses on it.”

Speakers emphasized the need to integrate AI with core principles like democracy and transparency while aligning national AI policies with frameworks such as the EU AI Act and OECD AI Principles. International representatives offered valuable insights on global AI governance, risk management, and the importance of collaboration to ensure safe, ethical AI.

Next Steps for the Region:

• Ukraine: Advancing its AI Roadmap, including a White Paper on AI, launching a regulatory sandbox, and encouraging to join a voluntary code of conduct for AI companies.
• Georgia: Establishing an AI Center of Excellence to coordinate its National AI Strategy and initiate upskilling programs.
• Armenia: Launching a Virtual AI Institute, providing global access to GPU resources for innovators.
• Moldova: Expanding the National Council for AI and Data Governance and creating sector-specific AI guidelines for areas like healthcare and education.

All countries highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Representatives from Microsoft, IBM, and SAP shared their principles on responsible AI, emphasizing transparency, human oversight, and risk mitigation. Together, they strongly emphasized the need for ethical frameworks that protect human rights while fostering innovation.

This event marked an important step in shaping a responsible AI future for the region and globally, making the dialogue on AI both inclusive and impactful.

The roundtable discussion was carried out by StrategEast with the support of RECONOMY as part of the AI Policy Dialogue initiative.