The World Internet Conference Artificial Intelligence for Social Good Action Plan (2023-2025) was launched in Qufu, East China's Shandong province on June 26, 2023. [Photo by Yin Chengqian/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Marvel, awe, doubt, fear or even hate …

Although people have mixed feelings as the age of artificial intelligence looms large, experts and tech giants promised to unlock the enormous potential of AI to create positive social impacts at the World Internet Conference (WIC) Nishan Dialogue on Digital Civilization, held from June 25 to 27 in Qufu, East China's Shandong province.

A relatively nascent research field, "AI for Social Good" (AI4SG) focuses on using AI to tackle important social, environmental and public health challenges that exist today. The field is focused on delivering positive social impact in accordance with the priorities outlined in the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A summary of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [Photo/un.org]

During the event, the World Internet Conference Artificial Intelligence for Social Good Action Plan (2023-2025) was released and launched.

The plan embraces the typical AI4SG practices that WIC collected from around the world over the last month. Over 20 tech enterprises and non-profits such as Intel, Google, Microsoft and Tencent, submitted a total of 33 programs where the power of AI is harnessed to address issues in six areas including protecting and disseminating human civilization, protecting biodiversity of the Earth, and creating an accessible digital environment.

"All these AI4SG practices reflect a close integration of AI technologies such as image recognition, natural language processing and situational awareness with public welfare scenarios," remarked Liang Hao, executive deputy secretary-general of the WIC.