Artificial Intelligence: AU seeks developing countries’ influence within AI governance structures

The African Union (AU) has suggested that to attain sustainable development globally,  developing countries should have increased representation and influence within global Artificial Intelligence(AI) governance structures.

The African Union Mission to the United Nations (UN), disclosed this during a Special meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) which focused on harnessing AI for the actualization of Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).

AU’s representative to the UN and Burundi’s Permanent Representative, Maniratanga Zéphyrin, emphasized that the involvement of developing countries is crucial if AI would serve a good cause.

As of last year, the AU felt the potential benefits of digital transformation for Africa’s development will be substantial.

However, the union pointed out that limited resources, funding constraints, and limited coordination present significant hurdles.

Zéphyrin seized the moment at the recent UN meeting, to advocate for that developing countries’ representation in AI governance.

He said it will help in constructing a transparent, equitable, non-discriminatory and cooperative international environment for Artificial Intelligence.

On Wednesday, the AU Mission X page quoted him as saying,

The Special Meeting drew stakeholders to explore ways to harness AI technologies to address complex societal challenges and achieve the SDGs.

ECOSOC president, Paula Narváez revealed that the world must take advantage of AI’s potential for its betterment.

However, the UN believes that to effectively use AI to address environmental challenges, it must be developed with careful governance and ethical frameworks to ensure it is unbiased and benefits all.