I am a recently tenured, Associate Professor at Georgetown University. I am currently in the Science, Technology and International Affairs program at the School of Foreign Service. I am also affiliated with Massive Data Institute.
My work focuses on the intersection of technical and critical approaches to designing computing technology, exploring how they can empower marginalized citizens. My work seeks to center marginalized citizens’ experience in computing. Broadly, my research combines bodies of scholarship and practice in the Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), which embraces the ethos of marginalized citizens-centered design and applies it to global human development and policy.
Increasingly, I see my work is at the intersection of Technology, Data and Society globally.
Speaker: Rajesh Veeraraghavan (Georgetown University)
Responsible AI is a widely discussed topic these days, but what does it really entail? In this session, Rajesh Veeraraghavan, a recently tenured Associate Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and an affiliate of the Massive Data Institute, will explore this question. He will offer a comprehensive overview of responsible AI, focusing on the ethical challenges and design complexities of AI systems. Rajesh’s ICT4D research focuses on creating technology solutions that are not only advanced but also ethically responsive to the needs of global, often marginalized, populations.
Moderator: Jawoo Koo (IFPRI)
Panelists: David Spielman (IFPRI), Jona Repishti (Digital Green), Patricia Zambrano (IFPRI), Caitlin Corner-Dolloff (USAID)
AI holds exciting potential for addressing challenges faced by agriculture. However, regulatory frameworks are needed to ensure that AI does not inadvertently harm farmers and other agricultural stakeholders. While the concept of responsible AI is frequently emphasized, there is no universally accepted definition or clear implementation guidelines. Panelists in this session will explore what it means to develop and use AI solutions responsibly in agriculture, particularly for small-scale producers in the global South. They will also discuss how to balance fostering innovation with safeguarding stakeholders from potential risks.
Moderator: Charlotte Hebebrand (IFPRI) Panelists: Andres Ferreyra (Syngenta), Rui Benfica (IFPRI), Jeehye Kim (World Bank)
The potential of AI in agriculture is very promising, but will AI actually help farmers increase their income, and if so, how? This session will address unanswered questions about AI’s prospects for enhancing farm income, particularly in light of the declining profitability of agriculture globally in recent years. Can advanced technologies, especially AI-powered ones, reverse this trend? Panelists will share their experiences working with farmers and other agricultural stakeholders, highlighting the areas of farming where AI can potentially reduce costs and improve profitability over the next 5 to 10 years. Additionally, they will discuss the risks associated with technology failures, including the implications of AI liability and the necessary safeguards.
New Delhi, India
Texcoco, Mexico
Washington, D.C., United States
