This September, the Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness (AI4PEP) Network will take the global stage at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) Science Summit with a powerful message to emphasize how Global South innovation is reshaping the future of health.
With participation from 20 countries and 23 universities and research institutions, AI4PEP brings together researchers, technologists, policymakers, and communities to design responsible, community-driven AI solutions that strengthen healthcare systems, advance health equity, and prepare the world for future epidemics and pandemics.
With dynamic sessions led by experts and partners from across the Global South, AI4PEP will spotlight its pioneering work in harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen pandemic preparedness, advance health equity, and build climate-resilient health systems worldwide.
“AI4PEP represents a bold vision for global health one that puts local expertise and leadership at the forefront of innovation,” said Prof. Jude Kong, Executive Director of AI4PEP. “At UNGA80, we are proud to showcase how community-driven, AI-powered solutions are transforming epidemic and pandemic response.”
Flagship Sessions
This year, AI4PEP will lead six sessions, including two flagship events convened by Executive Director Dr. Jude Kong:
- Building Resilient and Adaptive Healthcare Systems in the Face of Climate Change: AI-Driven Solutions Emerging from the Global South
Wednesday, September 10 | 7:00 AM EDT
As climate change intensifies, healthcare systems, especially in the Global South, face mounting challenges: disease outbreaks, infrastructure gaps, and resource scarcity.
This session will showcase AI-powered innovations that forecast outbreaks, expand healthcare to underserved regions, and build climate-smart, community-centered systems that can withstand future shocks.
- Scaling AI Solutions for Health Equity in the Global South: From Design to Population-Level Impact
Tuesday, September 16 | 11:00 AM EDT
Too often, promising AI health innovations stall at the pilot stage. This session tackles the critical challenge of scaling AI for population-wide impact.
Global South experts will present strategies, case studies, and governance frameworks to ensure that AI moves from design to real-world impact, reaching the communities who need it most, while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Beyond Technology: A Vision for Equity
AI4PEP’s presence at UNGA80 is more than showcasing technology. It is about advancing a vision where AI serves humanity equitably. Across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, AI4PEP teams are:
- Designing early-warning systems to anticipate epidemics.
- Harnessing climate-sensitive digital health tools to address environmental risks.
- Creating community-centered platforms for disease surveillance and outbreak response.
- Building governance frameworks to ensure AI is ethical, inclusive, and responsible.
Pandemics, epidemics, and climate change know no borders. Yet, the Global South remains disproportionately affected. AI4PEP’s work proves that when innovation is locally led and globally connected, it creates solutions that are sustainable, scalable, and fair.
As Dr. Jude Kong emphasizes, “We are not just building technology, we are building stronger, fairer health systems for all.”
Join Us at UNGA80
The Science Summit at UNGA80 is one of the world’s largest platforms for science, technology, and policy dialogue. AI4PEP is proud to be part of this global movement, turning data into decisions and innovation into impact.
🔗 Register for the sessions here
