Prof. Dr. Michael Gerlich speaks at the United Nations in Geneva “AI for Developing Countries Forum”

SBS Swiss Business School > CSCFS News > Sustainability > Prof. Dr. Michael Gerlich speaks at the United Nations in Geneva “AI for Developing Countries Forum”

Prof. Dr. Michael Gerlich, Head of Center for Strategic Corporate Foresight and Sustainability at SBS Swiss Business School delivered the keynote speech and participated in the panel discussion on “Late-Mover Advantages in AI Development” at the AI for Developing Countries 2025 Geneva Summit. The forum, themed “Empowering the South 2030: Forging an AI Future of Inclusive Digital Sovereignty,” provided a critical platform to address the challenges and opportunities AI presents for developing nations.

As AI continues to reshape societies, it is essential to ensure that its benefits are distributed equitably. Developing countries face a profound paradox—balancing technological ambition with real-world constraints. While AI holds immense potential to drive economic and social transformation, barriers such as infrastructure limitations, skills gaps, and financial constraints remain pressing concerns.

The discussions in Geneva underscored the urgency of bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive digital sovereignty. AI should not deepen inequalities but serve as a catalyst for sustainable development, empowering nations to define their own digital futures. Finding the right balance between international cooperation and digital autonomy is crucial in ensuring that emerging economies are not passive recipients of technology but active contributors to innovation.

A collaborative approach is necessary to address these challenges. Governments, businesses, and academia must work together to create governance frameworks that reflect the interests and values of all nations. AI ethics, data security, and equitable access must be at the forefront of global AI development strategies.

The 2025 AI for Developing Countries Forum marks an important step toward achieving these goals. By strengthening South-South cooperation and sharing digital transformation experiences, we can collectively shape an AI-driven future that is fair, inclusive, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.