The AI Trust and Safety Re-imagination Programme, an initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), invites innovators to submit proposals on how to re-imagine Trust and Safety (T&S) for Artificial Intelligence (AI). The goal is to create safer, more inclusive AI ecosystems by prioritizing local, culturally-responsive safety measures that protect individuals and communities while fostering AI development.
What the Programme Aims to Achieve
The AI Trust and Safety Re-imagination Programme seeks to:
- Gather data and practical experiences on AI risks that manifest locally.
- Strengthen enabling environments to support local AI startups and foster safe AI application in developing countries.
- Explore innovative partnerships to integrate safety-by-design practices into the early stages of AI development and deployment.
By focusing on equitable and practical approaches, the programme encourages shared responsibility between public and private sectors in managing AI risks and ensuring safe development.
Who Can Apply?
This call for submissions is open to individuals and teams working at the intersection of AI and Trust & Safety. Applicants are encouraged from a wide range of sectors, including:
- Private sector companies and startups working with AI
- Universities and research institutions
- Civil society organizations, NGOs, and industry alliances
Applicants must have substantive experience or outputs related to AI and T&S, with solutions that extend beyond ideation. Teams can include up to three members, and at least one member must be proficient in English.
Key Areas for Submission
We are looking for proposals that address the following areas:
- Scalable local insights and solutions: Solutions that are adaptive to local contexts and industries, such as region-specific approaches to AI harms or language-specific vulnerabilities.
- Local risk forecasting and prevention: Projects that leverage local knowledge to forecast and prevent AI risks, like technical auditing systems for specific sectors.
- Shared responsibility: Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to manage AI risks, focusing on developing countries.
Submission Guidelines
Submissions must be in the form of either:
- A slide presentation (max 10 slides), or
- An abstract paper (max 3 pages, single-spaced).
Your submission should demonstrate:
- Alignment with the programme’s objectives
- Awareness of the local AI and T&S landscape and challenges
- A collaborative approach to addressing AI risks and safety concerns
- Practical, scalable solutions with potential for real-world impact
Submission Rounds and Deadlines
Round 1: Systemic T&S Regional Challenges and the Impact of AI
- Opens: 20 January 2025
- Deadline: 20 February 2025
Round 2: Emerging AI Risks and Escalations
- Deadline: 20 March 2025
Round 3: Theme to be Determined
- Deadline: 24 April 2025
Round 4: Locally Tailored Solutions
- Deadline: 22 May 2025
Note: Early submissions are strongly encouraged to increase opportunities for presentation, coaching, and mentoring.
Information Sessions
To learn more and ask questions, join one of the following information sessions:
- 6 February 2025
- 6 March 2025
- 3 April 2025
- 1 May 2025
