Eric Keys, PhD, is a bilingual socio-environmental scientist with over 20 years of experience in academia, international development, and the federal sector. Currently serving as a Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor at USAID, Eric specializes in building robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems to support sustainable development, conservation, and resilience. He leverages academic research and evaluation tools to explore the interactions between markets, households, and the natural environment, driving impactful outcomes for both nature and society. A thought leader and systems thinker, Eric empowers organizations to optimize programs and processes through strategic insights and evaluation expertise.

Topic:  AI for Global Digital Development: Practical Applications and Insights

This session will highlight how AI technologies, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), are enhancing USAID's capacity to achieve impactful results, analyze data more effectively, and streamline development processes. It will cover real-world applications of AI, such as project validation, development data comparison, and achieving quick results in resource-limited areas. Attendees will participate in interactive workshops showcasing AI tools, dashboards, and digital development taxonomies. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of development and the prospects for this rapidly evolving field.