ITU Launches AI for Good Lab to Scale Tech in Emerging Economies

The Lab integrates three core pillars: national AI readiness assessments, specialized skills development, and public-facing infrastructure. By providing governments with open datasets, compute resources, and open-source models, the ITU aims to bridge the gap between abstract AI potential and measurable societal progress. This effort builds on successful sandbox activities conducted in ten countries, including India, Peru, Tanzania, and Uzbekistan.

Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, Chairperson of the UN AI for Good Impact Initiative, emphasized that the current decade demands responsible, inclusive deployment rather than mere speculation. Central to this mission is the AI for Good Innovation Factory, which has already engaged over 1,000 startups from 80 countries. Through mentorship and strategic investment, the program connects local innovators with the resources required to transition from startup concepts to national capabilities. Seizo Onoe, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, noted that the Lab serves as a mechanism to ensure AI benefits remain accessible on a global scale.