Aussie project to ensure AI remains rights-centred

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 31.07.2018 (SciDev.Net): Recognising that artificial intelligence (AI) carries both risks and benefits for society, the Australian Human Rights Commission, an independent Statutory organisation, launched this month (July) a major project on the impact of technology on the right to life, privacy, security, safety and equality, which could also have implications in many developing countries keen on adapting emerging technologies.

AI is already employed in designing driverless cars that reduce road traffic deaths and robots that can perform minimally invasive surgeries. AI also finds use in robotic weapons deployed in conflict situations and plays a role in decision making that impacts public health, livelihoods, social interaction and human rights.

An outline of the project, published in an Issues Paper, focuses on protection and promotion of human rights in AI-informed decision making in Australia, but will promote an international approach with UN support.

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Call for global coalition against malaria

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 07.07.2018 (SciDev.Net): The inaugural Malaria World Congress (2—5 July) in Melbourne has called on the global community to work unitedly to enhance political and financial support to combat the debilitating disease.

“The status quo is not okay as so much suffering depends on us acting, and acting vigorously,” said Brendan Crabb, immunologist and chief executive officer of Burnet Institute, a Melbourne-based not-for-profit research and public health organisation,  while delivering the keynote closing address.

“It is not just engaging but putting the vulnerable communities that are the least listened to at the head of the table — to innovate, and to collaborate, is what will give us the motivation to finish the job (malaria elimination) in the countries that need the last mile to be achieved,” Crabb said.

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UN procurements favour developing countries

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 27.06.2018 (SciDev.Net): Nearly 59 per cent of the United Nations (UN) procurements in 2017 worth US$11 billion were from developing countries, least developed countries (LDCs) and countries with economies in transition, according to a UN official statistical report released last week (21 June).

Asia remained the region with the highest procurement volume but saw a US$129 million reduction compared to 2016 — the largest decrease in absolute terms of any region. Three developing countries — India with total procurement of US$907 million, UAE with US$797 million and Kenya with US$503 million — were among the top 10 supplier countries in 2017. Combined, the three countries accounted for nearly 12 per cent of the total UN procurement for 2017. The US remains the largest supplier to the UN with US$1.7 billion largely on the back of management and services.

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© Copyright Neena Bhandari. All rights reserved. Republication, copying or using information from neenabhandari.com content is expressly prohibited without the permission of the writer and the media outlet syndicating or publishing the article.