Ethiopian AI Institute gains global recognition as potential UN-ODET Member
Date: 2025-04-03
The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII) has emerged as a leading contender for membership in the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (UN-ODET), following a high-level evaluation visit by a UN delegation. The delegation, led by Dr. Amandeep Singh Gill, UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, commended Ethiopia's rapid advancements in artificial intelligence during intensive discussions with EAII leadership.
EAII Director General Dr. Worku Gachena
EAII Director
General Dr. Worku Gachena showcased the institute's pioneering AI initiatives
that align with Ethiopia's national development priorities, stressing capacity-building
programs that nurture homegrown AI talent across the country. "Our
institute stands ready to collaborate on AI solutions that address both
Ethiopian and continental challenges," Dr. Gachena stated during the
strategic engagement.
Dr. Gill
expressed particular admiration for Ethiopia's accelerated integration of AI
technologies across sectors, noting the country's exceptional progress within a
remarkably short timeframe. "The talent development framework
implemented by EAII offers valuable lessons for other developing nations
embarking on AI journeys," remarked the UN envoy, highlighting
Ethiopia's potential to contribute meaningfully to global AI governance
discussions.
The closed-door
technical session explored multiple collaboration avenues, including knowledge
exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and policy development support.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
