On the Frontier of Generative AI
This is a published version of our On the Frontier (OtF) newsletter series. Every month we take one global critical challenge and explore what’s at the cutting edge of it, together. Click here to join the FT Network and receive our newsletter directly.
AI talking about AI (for Education in Tanzania)
"Okay, it's a little ironic, isn't it? We're AI [ourselves], diving into AI for good."
Ahead of publishing our latest Helpdesk topic brief on AI for Education in LMICs, we gave Generative AI early access. In response, it gave us a 13-minute mini-podcast on the subject.
During their conversation, you'll hear them examine how generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) can support teacher training in LMICs. They discuss an AI-powered chatbot providing guidance on pedagogy and lesson planning via WhatsApp in Sierra Leone and how generative AI tools are translating educational resources into local languages in Mali.
But you'll also notice the odd "rogue" moment. While our AI friends excitedly advocate for everyone needing the devices and internet required to use AI tools, our original topic brief focuses more on what is realistic and equitable given the infrastructure available. Barriers exist, like limited internet, data privacy issues, and low digital literacy. And while AI can streamline tasks, it should complement, not replace, teachers.
🎧 Listen to the 13 minute clip, and read the executive summary here.
AI's growing influence in the development and diplomacy sector
AI's influence on international development and diplomacy will only grow in the next 10 years. We're publishing five trends that surfaced during a recent horizon-scanning journey, starting with AI-driven information retrieval.
AI systems can process large volumes of data at unprecedented speeds, identifying patterns and trends that might not be visible to human analysts. However, they come with risks, from protecting sensitive information and data bias to training models to understand the nuances of language.
Even now, on the cusp of 2025, LLMs and generative AI are impacting how we find, use, and analyse information daily.
Data Scientists in the Canadian Government have designed a sophisticated AI tool named the 'Doc Cracker'. Meanwhile, the UN adopted its first standalone AI resolution, with one representative stating that "the international community must govern this technology rather than have it govern us.”
📚 Click here to read more.
Will you build a community of practice with us?
If we are to "seize the opportunities of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development,” as the UN resolution states, then we must ask the question: What can we do to ensure that this change is as beneficial to the international development sector as possible?
An FT pilot led by FCDO PIoneers Seb Mhatre and Robert Phillips has been building an LLM tool for people working in international development with the help of technical expert Olivier Mills. Their goal is not only to build something potentially transformative for the sector but also, critically, to surface the potential and risks of using it to truly enhance knowledge management.
They have defined four factors that will play a significant role, and to maximise the potential of LLMs for knowledge management in the development sector, they are encouraging the growth of a community to effectively share evidence, challenges, and ideas and further encourage innovation around the development of LLMs.
This community will create a common vision that inspires action, common standards to support interoperability, and best practices in data governance to enable sustainable, effective coordination between the public and private sectors. We are hosting an initial exploration for this community on Wednesday 27 November at 1pm UK time.
📅 Read more about why we need a community of practice
Still curious? Here's three more for you
Explore our AI:AI learning journey to explore the tech's value, barriers and ethics in this sector.
Check out our open tenders on misinformation, carbon markets and underhyped tech, and apply!
Enjoyed our Sustainable Agriculture newsletter? Dive into a new report on Voluntary Carbon Markets.
Ps. Have you heard about our Helpdesk offer? 🧑💻
The Frontier Tech Helpdesk supports members of the FCDO to explore how emerging technology and innovations can shape their work by providing tailored research, evidence, and advisory support. In fact, the AI for Education topic brief mentioned above was produced in response to a Helpesk request by an FCDO colleague. Click here to learn more and submit a request!
Thanks for exploring with us. We’ll be back in about 4 weeks to explore what's On the Frontier of Carbon Markets 🤖
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