India Leads Global AI Standards Development, Hosts WTSA 2024

He also announced that TEC is working on a new Standard for assessing and rating the robustness of AI systems.

Additional Secretary (Telecom) Shri Niraj Verma emphasized India's leadership in drafting global standards for responsible and trustworthy AI, with the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) having released a Standard for assessing and rating fairness in AI systems. He also announced that TEC is working on a new Standard for assessing and rating the robustness of AI systems.

Shri Verma made these remarks while addressing a session on ‘Harmonizing Global Collaborations in AI Industry: A Roundtable on the Future of AI Standardisation, Regulation and Industry Development’ in Geneva, Switzerland. He led the Indian delegation at the ITU Geneva for the WSIS+20 (World Summit on the Information Society) Forum High-Level Event 2024 and the ‘AI for Good’ Global Summit from May 27 to 31, 2024. The event was co-organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD, and co-hosted by ITU and the Swiss Confederation, with remote participation support.

During the AI for Good Global Summit at ITU Geneva, India was announced as the host for WTSA 2024 in New Delhi from October 15-24, 2024. A warm invitation was extended to international delegates, followed by the launch of the host country website for WTSA 2024 (https://www.delhiwtsa24.in/).

The Indian delegation showcased reforms in the telecom sector leveraging AI to build a sustainable future. They participated in various sessions, including ‘The Government’s AI Dilemma: Maximizing Rewards, Minimizing Risks', ‘Leaders TalkX on Looking Ahead: Emerging tech for building sustainable futures’, 'AI Governance: How do we ensure Inclusion and Trust', and ‘Space for Sustainable Development - A Case of Connectivity’.

The delegation highlighted the need for making AI technologies accessible and affordable for developing countries to bridge the sustainability gap. They emphasized that while AI has the potential to revolutionize digital governance by enhancing efficiency, improving service delivery, and supporting informed decision-making, it is essential to address ethical, privacy, and inclusivity challenges to fully realize the benefits of AI in governance.

The WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event provided an opportunity for the international community to explore global digital cooperation and work towards a forward-looking shared vision ahead of the United Nations General Assembly’s twenty-year review of WSIS.