The UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, in partnership with the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Ikigai Law, is set to host a stakeholder consultation on the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in India. This event is scheduled for April 8, 2025, at T-Works in Hyderabad.

Key Highlights of the Event

A notable segment of the consultation is a fireside chat focussing on the IndiaAI Mission, featuring Abhishek Singh, CEO of the IndiaAI Mission and Additional Secretary at MeitY. Additionally, a panel discussion titled “Shaping Ethics in AI Governance: Government and Multilateral Perspectives” will take place. This discussion will include senior officials from MeitY, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Amrita University, UNESCO, and the Government of Telangana. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in four thematic breakout groups covering governance, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and use cases, facilitating in-depth dialogue on critical aspects of India’s AI preparedness.

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About the AI RAM Initiative

This consultation marks the third in a series of five multi-stakeholder engagements under the AI RAM initiative by UNESCO and MeitY, following previous sessions in New Delhi and Bangalore. The initiative aims to develop an India-specific AI policy report by identifying strengths and opportunities within the ethical AI ecosystem. Open to policymakers, technologists, academics, and practitioners, this consultation offers a platform to contribute to a responsible and future-ready AI roadmap for the nation.

India's Commitment to Ethical AI Development

This initiative coincides with India’s launch of the ambitious INDIAai Mission, supported by over ₹10,000 crore in funding. Central to this mission is the Safe and Trusted AI pillar, underscoring the Government of India’s dedication to ethical, accountable, and secure AI development. By promoting indigenous frameworks, governance tools, and self-assessment guidelines, the mission aspires to empower innovators and ensure that AI benefits are accessible across various sectors.