CivicSabha 2.0 - Data & AI for Progress - Scaling Innovation for Economic Growth and Social Good

As data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) continue to shape governance, economic systems, and service delivery, their role in advancing both economic growth and social good is becoming increasingly significant. While AI enables improved efficiency and decision-making, it also risks reinforcing inequalities when built on non-inclusive data systems, making responsible and equitable adoption essential.

The plenary discussion "Data & AI for Progress – Scaling Innovation for Economic Growth and Social Good", as part of CivicSabha 2.0 hosted by CivicDataLab (CDL), brought together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to explore how AI can be scaled responsibly and inclusively. Moderated by Dr. Philipp Olbrich (GIZ – FAIR Forward), the session featured speakers including Alok Rajan (Gates Foundation), Claire Zanuso (Agence Française de Développement (AFD)), Emma Stanton (Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth), Kanta Singh (UN Women India), and Nico Schiettekatte (Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands).

Speakers highlighted the potential of AI to drive financial inclusion, support micro and small enterprises, and strengthen public systems, while emphasising the need for inclusive datasets, equitable access to technology, and collaborative ecosystem-building. The discussion underscored the importance of transparency, trust, and open innovation in ensuring that AI-driven systems remain accountable and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development outcomes.