On November 3, 2024, during the vibrant backdrop of the Istanbul marathon, a significant workshop was held at the Museum of Modern Arts in Istanbul, Türkiye. This day-long event brought together representatives from five NGOs around the world and researchers from the esteemed Vector Institute. Aziz Soltobaev from the Internet Society Kyrgyzstan Chapter participated and contributed to the collaborative effort aimed at harnessing AI for impactful, sustainable projects.
The workshop began with an overview of the objectives, emphasizing project definition, understanding nested system impacts, and fostering collaboration. Each participant articulated their goals and areas where they sought new insights. This set the stage for in-depth discussions on defining projects as interconnected systems with regional and global implications.
A pivotal session followed: data mapping for success. Here, participants engaged with the AI Project Canvas, outlining their projects’ data needs, identifying current resources, and strategizing on how to bridge data gaps. This phase crystallized technical insights on the creation and refinement of AI models, sharpening the collective understanding of how data quality and acquisition strategies underpin successful AI initiatives.
The afternoon focused on collaborative brainstorming, with mixed teams comprising NGO representatives and AI experts working to identify synergies and shared resources. This strengthened the cohort’s network, unveiling opportunities for cross-project support and highlighting overlapping data needs and solutions.
The workshop culminated with teams presenting their nearly complete AI Project Canvases. Each presentation showcased refined project definitions, identified beneficiaries, and actionable strategies for addressing data challenges. Aziz shared insights gained, emphasizing the enhanced technical roadmap for AI model development and collaboration potential identified throughout the day.
As the workshop concluded, participants departed with a solidified vision and actionable plans for advancing their projects, bolstered by newly formed partnerships and a deeper understanding of data-driven AI implementation.
The Vector Institute, a leading research institute based in Canada, played a crucial role in this workshop. Renowned for its cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence and machine learning, the institute is dedicated to advancing the field through collaboration with industry, academia, and public sectors. Its involvement added significant value by providing expert guidance and fostering a deeper understanding of AI methodologies. The Vector Institute’s reputation for excellence and its commitment to bridging theory and real-world applications made it an invaluable partner, enriching the workshop with critical insights and promoting the development of robust, effective AI-driven solutions
