In a significant move to integrate academic insights with global technological advancements, the Faculty of Business (FOB) at the City University of Macau made a notable presence at the prestigious UNU MACAU AI Conference 2024 on April 24th and 25th. Assistant Prof. Farzad Sabetzadeh, representing the FOB, joined the ranks of esteemed members in the newly launched UNU AI Network, a platform dedicated to fostering international collaboration in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The conference, themed “AI for All: Bridging Divides, Building Sustainable Futures,” brought together experts and enthusiasts from various sectors to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies. The UNU AI Network launch was a highlight of the event, marking a commitment to inclusive and sustainable AI development.

Assistant Prof. Farzad Sabetzadeh, an advocate for sustainable practices within the AI for Business, presented an emerging topic on “Green AI.” This concept emphasizes the importance of not only focusing on the green outcomes AI can produce but also on making AI itself more environmentally friendly.

During his presentation, Assistant Prof. Farzad Sabetzadeh explored the carbon footprints associated with AI technologies, particularly the environmental impact of training large language models (LLMs). He discussed various mitigation strategies and trade-offs, highlighting the need for responsible and sustainable model training to reduce carbon emissions.

Assistant Prof. Farzad Sabetzadeh’s involvement with the UNU AI Network and his presentation on “Green AI” underscores the commitment of the Faculty of Business at City University of Macau to lead by example in the pursuit of sustainable development.

Adding to the student representation, a group of IBC Year 2 students accompanied Assistant Professor Farzad Sabetzadeh to the conference. This educational excursion provided the students with a unique opportunity to engage with the latest topics on AI, witnessing firsthand the discussions on AI’s role in accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AI governance, and capacity building.

The participation of the Faculty of Business at the City University of Macau and its students shows the faculty’s dedication to staying at the forefront of AI education in Business and research, preparing its students to become the next generation of business innovators in this rapidly evolving field.