The Seventh South – East Asia Multi-Stakeholder Forum, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), took place from 6-8 November 2023 at the United Nations Conference Centre. Dr. Pranpreya Sriwannawit Lundberg, Director of International Policy Partnership Division at NXPO, was invited to attend the event and served as a panelist during a session dedicated to SDG1 – Reducing Inequalities: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Development – Catalyzing Inclusive Development and Sustainable Progress in Southeast Asia on 6 November 2023. 

Held under the theme “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: The Effective Delivery of Sustainable, Resilient, and Innovative Solutions in Asia- Pacific”, the forum brought together representatives from relevant agencies to discuss ways to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia, in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) and the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Best practices on exploiting digital innovation to address SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) were also presented. 

During the SDG1 session, Dr. Pranpreya discussed Thailand National AI Strategy and Action Plan (2022 – 2027) and presented examples of AI projects in Thailand, including AI for Social Good and AI for All. In addition, she provided an update on the preparation of ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics. Dr. Pranpreya underscored the significance and roles of AI in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in reducing disparities and poverty. She also stressed the crucial role of governments in AI development and utilization, with particular attention to infrastructure, human resource development, and inclusive and accessible education.  

Additional information on the Seventh South-East Asia Multi-Stakeholder Forum can be found at: https://www.unescap.org/events/2023/seventh-south-east-asia-multi-stakeholder-forum-reinforcing-2030-agenda-and-eradicating#