UN Digital Envoy engages South Africa on tech leadership and global cooperation
Date: 2025-04-11
The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Amandeep Gill has concluded high-level discussions with South African government officials this week, focusing on the nation's growing influence in digital innovation and global technology governance.
The meetings
highlighted South Africa's strategic role in shaping international digital
policy, particularly through its G20 presidency and contributions to key UN
initiatives like the Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact. USG Gill
engaged with Minister of Science and Technology Blade Nzimande, Communications
Minister Solly Malatsi, and senior diplomat Xolisa Mabhongo to strengthen
multilateral cooperation on emerging technologies.
Discussions centered on aligning South Africa's domestic digital transformation agenda with global frameworks for digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and ethical AI development. The engagements recognized the country's leadership in bridging digital divides across the African continent while contributing to worldwide efforts for equitable technology access.
The visit
underscores the UN's commitment to fostering inclusive digital ecosystems in
partnership with emerging economies. South Africa's unique position as both an
African tech hub and global policy shaper positions it as a critical voice in
ongoing negotiations for international digital governance frameworks expected
to be finalized at the upcoming Summit of the Future.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
