TELUS Takes Center Stage at the UN AI for Good Global Summit 2025 in Geneva

TELUS Takes Center Stage at the UN AI for Good Global Summit 2025

From July 8 to 11, 2025, TELUS, a prominent global technology leader, attended the United Nations AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland. This participation underscores TELUS's commitment to responsible AI development, ethical technology innovation, and inclusive AI upskilling.

Empowering AI Literacy and Closing the Skills Gap

Key representatives from TELUS, including President and CEO Darren Entwistle and Chief Data Trust Officer Pam Snively, were actively engaged in high-profile discussions at the summit. They represented TELUS as a proud member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)-led AI Skills Coalition. This global initiative not only aims to close the AI skills gap but is also focused on ensuring that future generations are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, emphasized that the success of the AI Generation will be determined not just by the algorithms' power but by the depth of the skill set and the breadth of participation.

A Focus on Humanity-Centric AI Innovation

During the five-day event, TELUS contributed valuable insights on responsible AI practices and the significance of AI literacy. The company's approach to technology development is strongly human-centric and involves collaborative efforts among various stakeholders including industry leaders, communities, and its own team members.

Pamela Snively noted, "At TELUS, we believe getting AI right starts with trustworthy, transparent, and respectful data practices. To realize AI's potential for positive change, it is essential to earn the trust of the people it serves, and this begins with a human-centric approach."

Collaboration with Indigenous Communities

A significant highlight of TELUS's participation was a workshop led in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. Together with Shani Gwin, CEO of pipikwan pêhtâkwan and a member of the TELUS Indigenous Advisory Council, TELUS hosted the workshop titled, "Crafting Ethical AI with Indigenous Intelligence." This session showcased how TELUS incorporates Indigenous solutions into AI development, promoting ethical practices informed by Indigenous knowledge.

They also offered hands-on training in AI literacy using TELUS Digital’s proprietary generative AI platform, Fuel iX, alongside pipikwan pêhtâkwan's AI tool aimed at correcting biases against Indigenous Peoples in digital spaces.

Commitment to Reconciliation and Responsible AI

TELUS's enduring commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples has driven various actions to foster positive social, cultural, and economic outcomes. These efforts include collaborating with Indigenous communities on initiatives related to connectivity, training, and job creation, in addition to safeguarding Indigenous data.

In its recent AI Report, TELUS gathered perspectives from over 5,500 respondents, emphasizing the need to integrate Indigenous views into responsible AI practices. This report underlined the importance of qualitative data, such as storytelling, which provides context often lost in traditional quantitative analysis.

Leading the Way in AI Development

TELUS's involvement at the summit accentuates its leading role in promoting responsible AI. The company was the first globally to obtain ISO 31700-1 Privacy by Design certification for its AI-powered customer support tools. Additionally, TELUS's AI Factory, set to launch in Quebec, will facilitate innovation for Canadian businesses while maintaining data sovereignty, all powered by sustainable energy sources.

Conclusion

As TELUS continues to champion practices that prioritize trust, transparency, and accountability in AI, its work at the UN AI for Good Global Summit offers a blueprint for ethically responsive technology that benefits all stakeholders. For more details on TELUS's efforts in building trust in data, visit telus.com/trust.