BRAC University has recently joined the Open Forum for AI (OFAI), a 2024 international initiative of Carnegie Mellon University focused on ethical approaches to advancing human-centered artificial intelligence (AI).

By bringing together academic institutions, civil society, nonprofit organizations, government and industry, the OFAI seeks to build a more open and accountable AI ecosystem by emphasizing public interest values in associated strategy and governance.

A key focus of the coalition is developing technical frameworks and prototypes that define and operationalize what open means in the context of AI and guiding both policy and practice toward greater transparency and equity.

This includes research into how open-source principles can extend beyond software to encompass models and data, with the goal of creating standards for inclusive, safe, and transparent AI development.

The initiative’s working groups also address critical issues such as AI privacy, benchmarks for technical evaluation, and inclusive participation.

Current efforts include convening forums that bring together researchers, technical experts, and community representatives to advance collaborative research, develop new evaluation methods, and drive engagement in AI policy and prototype design. 

“We’re building a coalition grounded in the belief that AI must be shaped by diverse perspectives — not just large technology companies,” said OFAI Executive Director and Open Source Programs Office Director Sayeed Choudhury.

“By welcoming BRAC University, a leader in interdisciplinary education and social innovation, OFAI expands its global reach and deepens its commitment to collaboration across borders,” said Choudhury, also Carnegie Mellon University Libraries associate dean for digital infrastructure.

Focusing on leading development and innovation from the Global South, BRAC University is engaging in cross-sectoral collaborations, United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) policy engagement, and global knowledge sharing to build inclusive and resilient societies.

Talks to join the OFAI was held during a visit of Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, to the UN Headquarters in New York last July to speak at a High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

As a member of the OFAI, the university will engage in shared research efforts, policy discussions, technical prototyping, and outreach initiatives centered on equitable and responsible AI.

“AI is transforming the world, and universities must lead with responsibility and purpose,” said Professor Anwar.

“Through our engagement with the OFAI, BRAC University is deepening its commitment to ethical innovation and empowering the next generation to build technologies that serve humanity,” he added.

Through this collaboration, BRAC University advances several UN SDGs, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).