BRAC University has recently joined the Open Forum for AI (OFAI), a Carnegie Mellon University-led international initiative focused on promoting ethical, human-centred artificial intelligence.

The partnership will enable the university to contribute to research, policy development, and technical prototyping aimed at making AI more inclusive, transparent, and aligned with public interest values, said a statement issued on November 17.

Through this collaboration, BRAC University expects to foster cross-sectoral engagement, set global benchmarks for responsible AI, and empower students and researchers to develop technologies that benefit society while advancing key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The OFAI brings together academic institutions, civil society groups, non-profit organisations, government bodies, and industry partners to build an accountable AI ecosystem.

Its work focuses on defining and operationalising ‘openness’ in AI, extending open-source principles to models and data, and establishing standards for safe, equitable, and transparent AI development.

OFAI working groups address critical issues such as AI privacy, technical evaluation benchmarks, and inclusive participation.

Current initiatives include forums that unite researchers, technical experts, and community representatives to drive collaborative research, design prototypes, and inform AI policy.

Sayeed Choudhury, OFAI Executive Director and Director of Carnegie Mellon’s Open Source Programs Office, said the coalition seeks to ensure AI is shaped by diverse perspectives rather than dominated by major tech companies.

He said that BRAC University’s participation strengthens OFAI’s global reach and commitment to cross-border collaboration.

Focusing on innovation in the Global South, BRAC University engages in cross-sectoral projects, UN SDG policy work, and international knowledge-sharing initiatives to promote inclusive and resilient societies.

Talks to join the OFAI took place during Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar’s visit to the UN Headquarters in New York in July, where he addressed the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

As a member, BRAC University will participate in shared research, policy dialogue, technical prototyping, and outreach initiatives to advance equitable and responsible AI.

Professor Anwar emphasised the university’s commitment to ethical innovation, stating that universities must lead responsibly in shaping AI that serves humanity.

The collaboration supports several UN SDGs, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).