The Potential of Generative AI to Drive Social Good: Insights from UNGA 2024

At the 2024 UN General Assembly (UNGA), global discussions centred on how Generative AI can help tackle critical global challenges. From healthcare to climate action, this technology has emerged as a powerful tool for driving social change. Representing Reach Digital Health, CEO Debbie Rogers shared how the organisation’s Precision Health Engine uses AI to deliver hyper-personalised health messaging, dramatically improving patient outcomes by anticipating user needs and behaviours.

Debbie articulated this vision at UNGA, noting:

“The UN General Assembly is more than just a platform for dialogue; it is where collaboration and innovation intersect to shape the future. At Reach, we believe in the power of collective action to drive transformative health impact. Our commitment is to contribute meaningfully to the global conversation, ensuring that AI is used responsibly to create equitable, life-changing solutions in healthcare.”

The Role of Generative AI in Healthcare and Beyond

Generative AI’s ability to process and generate data in real-time offers unique applications in various sectors. In healthcare, tools like Reach’s Precision Health Engine can predict health patterns and personalise interventions. The potential to scale these tools in underserved communities could transform healthcare delivery, especially in areas where resources are scarce. AI’s ability to hyper-personalise care makes healthcare more proactive, shifting from reactive models to preventive health solutions.

Other organisations at UNGA 79 also demonstrated how AI for social good is being used across different sectors. Simprints showcased how AI-driven biometric IDs are helping ensure that vaccines reach the right individuals in remote regions, addressing gaps in global healthcare​. Similarly, Google’s Flood Hub shows how AI-powered predictions are improving disaster preparedness, providing communities with real-time alerts for floods and helping them make critical decisions faster​.

Industry Perspectives on AI Ethics and Governance

In addition to showcasing innovation, industry leaders at the same session as Debbie Rogers shared insights on the responsible use of AI. Lance Pierce, CEO of NetHope, emphasised that while AI offers incredible opportunities, its deployment must be done with caution and responsibility. The key is to focus on transparency and inclusivity, ensuring that AI solutions benefit everyone, particularly those in vulnerable communities. As Pierce noted, generative AI needs to bridge existing gaps, not create new ones.

Another key voice at the event was Kitty M. Kolding, CEO of RAIsonance Inc., who showcased how AI is being used for respiratory illness screening through AI-powered cough analysis. Like Reach, RAIsonance is using AI to bring healthcare solutions to underserved populations, but with a focus on precision and accuracy in diagnostics. Kolding echoed the sentiment that AI must be developed with a focus on health equity, ensuring that the benefits of these technologies are accessible to everyone.

These industry perspectives underscore the collective commitment to developing AI solutions that are ethical and inclusive. Leaders agree that collaboration between governments, private organisations, and tech companies is essential to ensure AI’s responsible growth. The ethical considerations, such as data privacy and algorithmic bias, were recurring themes throughout the UNGA discussions, and participants stressed the need for robust governance frameworks to ensure that AI is deployed fairly.

The Future of AI for Social Good

As Generative AI continues to evolve, it is clear that its potential to address global challenges is immense. The key to harnessing this potential lies in collaboration, ethical use, and ensuring that these tools remain inclusive. Events like UNGA 79 are crucial for advancing these conversations and aligning efforts across sectors to maximise AI’s positive impact.

At Reach Digital Health, our mission is to harness the power of AI to drive health equity and improve patient outcomes globally. Debbie Rogers’ presence at UNGA 79 highlighted the role of Generative AI in shaping a future where technology truly serves humanity’s most urgent needs. The challenge now is ensuring that we stay on course, using AI responsibly and inclusively.

The future of AI is bright, but it is up to us to make sure it’s a future that benefits all.