AI should be a tool for all, not just the privileged few - Ambassador Philip Thigo

The Executive Director for Africa at Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University, Ambassador Philip Thigo has stressed the need for inclusive access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Global AI Summit 2024.

Ambassador Thigo joined fellow UN AI Advisory Body members at the Global AI Summit (GAIN) 2024 in Riyadh to discuss efforts in shaping global AI governance.

He stated that AI must benefit everyone, not just the privileged few, highlighting the necessity for developing nations to access fundamental enablers like energy, electricity, talent, data, and compute to fully leverage AI. However, these investments often lack private sector interest, particularly in solving pressing issues like health, climate, and food security.

Ambassador Philip Thigo advocated for reforms in global finance, as championed by President William Ruto of Kenya, to fund sustainable development in critical sectors. He emphasized the need to democratize access to AI technologies and align with the Global Digital Compact, ensuring the Global South can contribute to and benefit from AI's transformative power.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye