Digital innovation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth
ICT4DA-2024
IEEE 6th International Conference
SPECIAL SESSION -1
                                            “Sustainable Smart Town/Village Models Providing Solutions for Cities in Africa”
                                           A Workshop in Connection with the ICT4DA-2024, Nov18-20, 2024, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

                                                                                                                 Venue: Bahir Dar University & Institute of Technology

                                             In Collaboration with Malmö University, Bahir Dar University & Smart Village Veberöd

The aim of the workshop is to establish new North-South collaborations between Academia and Industry in the area of Research and  Development on Sustainable Smart Town Models and associated Technologies. The workshop is planned in a Hybrid mode and is expected to spur collaborations between the partners and accelerate the creation of innovative digital services and sustainable solutions to the challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change in a growing number of villages, towns and metro cities in emerging economies of Africa.

Jan Malmgren

Jan Malmgren is an entrepreneur with a passion for democratic and sustainable digitalization. Smart Village Sweden is a concept where a complete village of 5500 inhabitants, is part of how to prepare society for a green transition. We need to rethink how we all live to be able to this and digital solutions are a great tool to do this. We also believe that we need to make priority to ecological and social sustainability and then see how we can fit economical sustainable solutions to this.

Dr.Fisseha Mekuria

Dr. Fisseha Mekuria is an Ass. Professor at Malmö University, with a PhD from Linköping University in Sweden. He has over 30 years of experience in academic & industrial research 10 of which at Ericsson where he authored 15 patents, and also published over 80 peer reviewed publications. He was also a chief research scientist at the CSIR, leading the 5G and Affordable Broadband Networks at the CSIR in South Africa. He is passionate about application of emerging digital technologies such as IoT, AI and 5G networks for monitoring and sustainable development of natural ecosystems and manmade infrastructure. He also contributes to postgraduate education & research in emerging digital technologies and wireless communications, in Malmö and several African Countries, through the IEEE Standards, Future networks and technology for humanity initiative.

SPECIAL SESSION -2
 

Special Session at ICT4DA-2024, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Title: “Foresight on the Ethics and Responsible AI” Proposing Important Ethics and Regulatory Frameworks to Harness AI for Good

 Abstract:

As artificial intelligence continues influencing various societal functions, ensuring that AI systems adhere to fairness, inclusivity, ethical and legal compliance has become paramount. Concerns by several academics and technology industry leaders is beings voiced over the absence or less focus on necessary policy and frameworks to guide the development of AI towards sustainable, inclusive and societally responsible applications. The debate on the absence of necessary regulations recently has resulted in the writing of a memorandum about the danger of unbridled AI technology for the sustainability & survival of humanity MIT-FLI report. The special session would like to provide expert panelists to discuss necessary AI ethics & policy frameworks and the responsible use of AI and existing frameworks developed by experts, research academics and industry leaders, including sharing of international experience from IEEE, MIT-FLI, ITU-AI4Good and EU-AIC, US-CAIDP. Specifically, the special session at ICT4DA-2024, would discuss the impact of responsible AI development in resource & skills limited emerging economy countries. The special session plans to produce a report on the possible ways to harness AI and emerging ICT technologies, excluding the bad artefacts, and promote an inclusive socio-economic development and attainment of the sustainable development goals. The outcome of the special session is expected to be a foresight position paper informing decision makers on the necessary AI policy and regulatory frameworks to support responsible AI research and innovation in ICT services, entrepreneurship, and digital industry development.

Panelists:
Time 2 Hours:

HaileLuel, University of Houston, Session Chair, ……………………………… 10 Min

Opening Speech: XX AI institute,  Ethiopia. ………………………………..20 Min

Research Paper: Balancing the Risks and Rewards of Deepfake and

Synthetic Media Technology: A Regulatory Framework for Emerging Economies. M. Shakil MaU.se…………..15:Min

Panel discussion:  Ethics & Responsible AI in the Context of Emerging Economies

Dargie, TU-Dresden; E. Negussie, University of Turku, F. Mekuria, Malmö University; T. Tegene, BIT/BDU;

SPECIAL SESSION -3

Special Session at ICT4DA-2024, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia Title: ICT for Water Resource Management & Smart Agriculture

PANALIST

• Prof. Seifu Admassu, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

• Prof. Nils Ekelund, Aquatic Ecosystem Expert, Malmö University, Sweden.

• Dr. Peter Von Lany, Strategic Water Expert, Exeter, UK

• Dr. Samuel Dagalo, Director of Water Resources Research Center, Arba Minch niversity, Ethiopia

• Dr. Ethiopia Negussie, ICT Technology Expert, University of Turku, Finland

SPECIAL SESSION CHAIRS

• Dr. Fisseha Mekuria, Energing Digital technologies, Malmö

University, Sweden

• Dr. Mohammed Abebe, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia

 

Format

The special session panel discussion will be moderated by special session chairs. The panelists will each have an opportunity to give a brief presentation on their area of expertise and topical areas mentioned above. There will then be a question-and-answer session with the audience.

Purpose

The purpose of this panel discussion is to explore the role of emerging digital technologies in sustainable water resources management, for irrigation and development of aquatic ecosystem services. The discussion will highlight the benefits of using emerging ICT technologies in smart water management, improved ecosystem services, irrigation and smart agricultural systems, as well as the possible challenges that need to be addressed. The special session will also develop a foresight outcome into the future of emerging ICT technologies and their sustainable deployment for smart water management, irrigation and agricultural ecosystems services.

Special Session Outcome:

This panel discussion will provide an opportunity for participants to develop a special session outcome in the form of a white paper, about the latest digital technologies for sustainable water resource management, irrigation, and improved aquatic ecosystem system services. The white paper will be developed in collaboration with global forums such as the EU Water4All and UNSDGs 6 & 14. Participants are also encouraged to take the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field.