CfP: AI and Global Challenges. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Meet Global Challenges

Emerging Media is a SAGE open access peer-reviewed scholarly journal. The journal focuses on the exploration of the emerging issues and future development in the field of media and communication, both theoretically and practically. This journal will publish interdisciplinary research articles and leading trend discussions, particularly in conjunction with the field of artificial intelligence (AI), information and communication technologies (ICTs), new media application, computer science, mobile technology, user experience design, data science, aesthetics, ethical and cultural studies, as well as social and psychological perspectives. In addition, this journal is open to a diversity of theoretical paradigms and methodologies. The Journal will include high-quality work from the international community of scholars across the domain of relevant disciplines, free from any specific schools and/or particular paradigms. The Journal will avoid bias relating to age, gender identity, race, religion, and the like. In general, the scope of the journal includes the following three intertwined aspects: (1) media and technology; (2) industry and management; and (3) society and culture.

All accepted articles will be published OnlineFirst rapidly after acceptance and final editing. All articles are published Open Access without any APCs.

Guest Editors:

Jaimee Stuart, United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau)
Ronald Musizvingoza, United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau)

Description:

Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) hold the potential to transform development and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but AI also poses novel risks in meeting global challenges. To explore these issues, the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) convened a conference on April 25th, 2024, on the topic of AI for All: Bridging Divides, Building a Sustainable Future. Following the UNU Macau AI Conference 2024's theme of "AI for All" we seek submissions for a special issue that reflects the conference's comprehensive discussions on creating a sustainable future by utilizing AI to bridge divides across the Global South and Global North as well as the cultural East and West.

This special issue seeks submissions that explore the role of AI in addressing global challenges, examining its potential to drive progress and the complications it introduces in meeting complex or wicked problems. We seek submissions that not only reflect on the insights from the conference but also expand upon them, offering fresh perspectives and analyses, innovative solutions and forward-thinking strategies.

Key Content:

The special issue will cover a range of topics that reflect the conference’s thematic pillars, including but not limited to:

- AI for Sustainable Development: Investigating how AI can be leveraged to address global challenges, promote sustainability, and enhance social equity in alignment with the SDGs.
- AI in Healthcare: Exploring AI’s role in advancing medical research, diagnostics and treatment, while addressing privacy and ethical concerns.
- AI and Education: Assessing AI’s potential to support teaching and learning and its implications on educational systems.
- Ethical AI: Examining ethical considerations concerning the design and deployment of AI including bias, accountability, and transparency.
- AI Governance: Analyzing how AI can enhance public services and policymaking, alongside potential risks such as surveillance and decision-making autonomy.
- AI Technologies and Innovations: Highlighting the latest advancements and real-world applications of AI in various fields, including IoT, legal systems, and complex systems modeling.
- AI and Gender Equality: Critically examining AI systems and their link to gender equality.

Submission Process:

Submissions should be original, unpublished, and not under consideration for publication elsewhere. Interested authors should submit their full papers directly to the journal submission website below and select the special issue "AI and Global Challenged". Full papers will be published online-first on a rolling basis soon after acceptance. The journal offers full Open Access for submissions selected to the special issue without any Article Processing Charges (APCs).

Submission website: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/emmed

Submission deadline: 1 July 2025

Articles:

The special issue welcomes:

- Original research articles up to 10,000 words (including abstract, acknowledgments, references, tables, figures, and conflict of interest statement).
- Both empirical and conceptual papers are welcomed. All original research papers will undergo a rigorous, double-blind peer-review process, ensuring the highest standards of academic excellence.
- Colloquium papers between 3000 to 5000 words that offer opinion or op-ed style contributions in an organized discussion with academic or practical insights. Colloquium articles will be reviewed by the editorial team.
- Book reviews up to 3000 words that provide a brief evaluation of a published book on emerging media and communication associated with AI, providing our readers with an engaging discussion of the work. Book reviews will be reviewed by the editorial team.

Publication on Emerging Media is free of charge, no article processing fees.