USAID Exploring AI Applications for Global Development Support

Samantha Power, the U.S. Agency for International Development’s director, has discussed with top officials of artificial intelligence companies Anthropic and OpenAI various ways AI may be used to ensure global development. 

The agency’s AI initiatives come in sync with the recent launch of the USAID’s Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Policy as a guide for modernization, tools enhancements and creating partnerships. 

According to Shejal Pulivarti, acting USAID spokesperson, the AI applications that Power discussed with Dario Amodei, Anthropic CEO, included health and food security and administrative functions of the agency’s implementing partners, FedScoop reported Friday.

In an earlier statement, Pulivarti also disclosed that Power discussed with Anna Makanju, OpenAI vice president of global affairs, safeguards against AI misuse and information integrity boosters for USAID partner countries.

Commenting on the agency’s new DRG policy, Power pointed out that authoritarians could use AI, spyware and other technologies to suppress critics. The agency’s new strategy is an added tool for USAID to “keep up with fast-moving technology that can be weaponized against citizens,” she said.

At the recent Global AI Leadership Summit, Isobel Coleman, USAID deputy administrator, cited AI’s potential role in scaling the agency’s response once the gaps in digital capability and capacity between developed and developing countries are filled.

In January, the USAID and the Department of State posted a request for information on safe and reliable AI development as inputs for an AI in Global Development Playbook to implement the Biden administration’s executive order for safe and reliable AI development.