This English translation is based on the original Chinese article published by China News Service and is provided for informational purposes only
HANGZHOU, Sept. 23 (China News Service) - The first Global Call for AI × SDG Best Practices was officially launched on September 23 at the premiere stage of the fifth Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou.
The initiative is co-organized by the Hong Kong-based Global New Industrial Revolution Alliance (NIRA), the Austria-based World Economic Council (WEC), and Belgian-based Etion. The AI Sustainable Development Hub and SIRI Insight serve as implementing partners, with support from the Hong Kong Association of Innovation and Technology Industry, the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, the Hangzhou Venture Capital Association and other organizations.
At the launch ceremony, a promotional film illustrated AI’s potential to tackle global development challenges. Thomas Limberger, President and CEO of WEC, delivered remarks via a digital avatar, while Geert Janssens, Chief Economist of Etion, addressed the event in a pre-recorded video. They noted their organizations will leverage international networks and professional expertise to engage specialists, identify and select outstanding cases, and foster cross-regional exchange and collaboration for innovative projects.
Yabin Wu, Secretary-General of NIRA and Executive Director of the AI Sustainable Development Hub, delivered the main launch presentation. He said AI is reshaping industries and societies, yet its potential can generate tangible development value only when translated into practical, scalable solutions benefiting broader groups.
“We have seen many exciting advances in digital technology, and we understand the pressing bottlenecks facing industries and communities. But a bridge is missing between the two. That is why we are launching this initiative in Hangzhou today,” Wu said.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the competition features five tracks and invites global submissions of AI practices that advance sustainable development. Judges will evaluate both the effectiveness of technologies in solving real-world problems, as well as safety, trust and fairness in deployment. Entries will be assessed on technological innovation, sustainable development contribution, economic value, on-the-ground outcomes and scaling potential. Accessibility and affordability will also be weighed for solutions targeting the Global South.
Wu stated the competition’s value stretches beyond identifying and honoring outstanding projects. He hopes it connects innovators with real-world use cases, industry partners, investors and global markets, enabling promising technologies to evolve from standalone cases into partnerships and from pilots into large-scale adoption.
Submissions will run from September 23, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The grand final and awards ceremony are scheduled for the second half of 2027. A curated case collection and a series of sustainable AI + industry events are also planned.
China News Service Reporter: Xi Jinyan Editor: Hu Hanxiao
This English translation is based on the original Chinese article published by China News Service and is provided for informational purposes only. Copyright in the original article remains with the author and the original publisher.
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