The AI Journey 2024 conference, an international forum on artificial intelligence, concluded with resounding success, uniting distinguished researchers and experts from around the globe. Held in Moscow, the event welcomed participants from Russia, China, India, the UAE, South Africa, Indonesia, Bahrain, Iran, and many other nations. This year’s gathering emphasized AI’s transformative potential to revolutionize industries, enhance sustainability, and foster global collaboration.
Alexander Vedyakhin, the first deputy chairman of the Executive Board of Sberbank, delivered a keynote address that encapsulated the conference’s overarching mission and growing global influence. He expressed that the AI Journey had captured the attention of millions worldwide, revealing new facets of AI’s significance for business, science, society, and sustainability. He highlighted the importance of exploring the most successful AI practices and case studies with leading experts from BRICS and beyond, describing the experience as an incredible journey into the transformative world of artificial intelligence.
The conference created an invaluable platform for exchanging groundbreaking ideas and best practices, making it particularly relevant for emerging AI ecosystems in countries such as South Africa. The December 12 program stood out, focusing on the transformative role of AI in industries and businesses. It began with remarks by Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office, and Alexander Vedyakhin, whose insights emphasized AI’s role in shaping the future of global commerce and innovation. Andrey Belevtsev, Senior Vice President and Head of Technological Development at Sberbank presented on AI’s growing role as an indispensable human assistant and elaborated on Sberbank’s plans to enhance technological services and introduce new AI-driven solutions.
The program featured standout presentations by international speakers. Jaspreet Bindra of Tech Whisperer Limited offered insights into the emerging possibilities of AI beyond popular conversational models in his presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence: Future Outside ChatGPT.” Aisha Bin Bishr from Smart Dubai Office discussed the symbiotic relationship between AI and Environmental, Social, and Governance frameworks in her session, “AI and ESG: Finding the Intersection for a Sustainable Future.” Her focus on actionable strategies for leveraging AI to drive sustainability initiatives resonated strongly, as sustainability remains a critical issue for South Africa’s socio-economic development. Janet Sawari, CEO of TAIR Labs from South Africa, brought a distinctly African perspective, exploring how AI is addressing pressing challenges in education, healthcare, and agriculture. Her insights demonstrated the tangible benefits of AI applications in resolving systemic issues, showcasing its potential to drive inclusive growth in South Africa.
The AI Leaders Awards ceremony celebrated individuals and organizations that had pioneered advancements in artificial intelligence. The winners of two prestigious competitions, the AI Challenge for young data scientists and the AIJ Contest for experienced AI specialists, were also announced. Winners were honored on stage, earning acclaim for their innovative contributions. Additionally, the results of AIJ Science’s open selection of scientific articles were unveiled. These papers, reviewed in partnership with the Russian Academy of Sciences, were earmarked for publication in an upcoming scientific journal.
The inclusion of South African voices, such as that of Janet Sawari, underscored the country’s increasing prominence in the global AI landscape. The themes of sustainability and inclusivity resonated deeply with South African stakeholders, who face unique challenges that AI can address. Furthermore, the event fostered valuable partnerships and collaborations, opening pathways for South African businesses, researchers, and policymakers to engage more actively with global AI initiatives.
As the world converges on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, the AI Journey 2024 conference in Moscow stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit driving innovation across borders. The following video captures key moments and insights from this landmark event, where global tech leaders forged new paths in artificial intelligence.
The conclusion of the AI Journey 2024 conference marked not an end but a stepping stone for future advancements in artificial intelligence. For South Africa, the event reinforced the importance of investing in AI research and development, aligning with global trends while addressing local needs. The success of AI Journey 2024 will likely inspire greater participation and collaboration in future editions, solidifying South Africa’s role as a key player in the AI revolution.