Manipuri joins UN Conference on AI
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 31 2025: The United Nations hosted a landmark event on Artificial Intelligence (Al) for Developing Countries, drawing over 800 delegates from more than 120 nations to discuss the transformative potential of AI in addressing global challenges.

The conference focused on harnessing AI to drive progress in developing nations while ensuring ethical practices and inclusivity.

One of the highlights of the event was the participation of Haobam Joyremba, managing director CubeTen Technologies' Pvt Ltd, who brought a unique perspective to the forum by emphasising the challenges faced by lesser-developed regions, such as Manipur and Northeast India.

Manipuri joins UN Conference on AI

As one of the only delegates representing such a region, Haobam Joyremba shed light on the disparities that exist in AI adoption and implementation, particularly in areas with low digital penetration and sparse data availability.

During his address, Haobam Joyremba highlighted a critical issue: most AI systems and data-driven models are trained using datasets predominantly sourced from developed countries.

These models often fail to account for the unique socio-economic and cultural realities of developing regions.

For Manipur and the Northeast, where data collection infrastructure is limited and local context's vary greatly, this poses significant challenges.

He stressed that AI systems must be localised and inclusive, incorporating the diverse languages, cultures, and needs of such regions to truly benefit their people.

Haobam Joyremba also emphasised the need for public-private collaboration to bridge the digital divide in underrepresented regions.

He called for greater investment in digital infrastructure and capacity building, stating, "If we do not address the unique needs of lesser-developed regions, AI will only widen the gap between the digital haves and have-nots." His passionate advocacy for human-centred AI resonated deeply with the audience and underscored the importance of equitable technological growth.

A key outcome of the con ference was the formation of four working groups tasked with formulating globally applicable guidelines for ethical and inclusive AI.

These guide lines will eventually be ratified by countries worldwide, serving as a framework to ensure AI technologies benefit humanity as a whole.

Haobam Joyremba was selected as a member of Working Group III, which is focused on the formulation of a framework for "Cultural Integration and Local Innovation".

This group aims to develop strategies to ensure AI systems are designed to respect and preserve cultural diversity while fostering innovation tailored to local contexts.

Speaking on his role, he stated, "It is a matter of great pride to represent Manipur and Northeast India at the global stage.

Our work in this group will ensure that AI does not erase cultural identities but rather empowers communities to innovate within their unique contexts" .

The framework being developed by Working Group III will address critical areas, including promoting multilingual AI systems to support diverse languages, ensuring Al solutions respect local customs and traditions, encouraging innovation driven by grassroots-level challenges, and developing ethical principles that prioritise inclusivity and equity.

Haobam Joyremba's involvement in this critical initiative highlights the importance of voices from lesser-developed regions in shaping the global AI narrative.

Representing a small state like Manipur on such a prestigious platform underscores the progress being made by the region in technological innovation and advocacy.

The event also provided an opportunity for delegates to showcase their countries' advancements in AI .

Haobam Joyremba shared the work being done by CubeTen Technologies and Innovation Hub Manipur in promoting AI, loT and robotics in the Northeast.

As the conference concluded.

delegates reiterated their commitment to ensuring AI technologies are developed and deployed for the benefit of all, leaving no one behind.

Haobam Joyremba's contributions stood out as a testament to the significance of representing lesser developed regions on the global stage, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future of technology.

The event in Geneva marked a significant milestone not only for AI development but also for the representation of small and diverse regions like Manipur in the global dialogue.

Haobam Joyremba's participation and leadership reflect the aspirations of a region striving to be a part of the digital revolution while preserving its unique identity and addressing its challenges.