By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Rwanda’s President Paul
Kagame has been appointed Co-Chair of the United Nations AI for Good Global
Commission, a new global initiative focused on advancing responsible artificial
intelligence and ensuring that the benefits of AI reach communities worldwide.
President Kagame will
co-chair the Commission alongside Salesforce Chair and Chief Executive Officer
Marc Benioff, while International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin will serve as Vice-Chair.
The Commission brings
together more than 40 leaders from governments, international organizations and
the private sector to develop practical approaches for expanding access to
artificial intelligence, strengthening trust in AI systems, accelerating innovation
and supporting sustainable development.
The initiative will also
focus on addressing the global digital divide by ensuring that developing
countries are actively involved in shaping the future of artificial
intelligence and are able to benefit from emerging AI opportunities.
President Kagame said
technology must remain a force for good and called for collective action to
ensure that artificial intelligence contributes to reducing inequality and
expanding opportunities for citizens around the world.
The establishment of the
Commission comes at a time when billions of people remain without access to
digital technologies, highlighting the need for inclusive approaches to AI
development and deployment.
The AI for Good Global
Commission is expected to provide strategic guidance on how governments,
businesses and international institutions can collaborate to harness artificial
intelligence for social and economic progress.
