Kenyan Tech Whiz Philip Thigo Joins UN AI Advisory Team
Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres has appointed technology and public policy expert Philip Thigo to a newly formed high-level advisory commission on artificial intelligence (AI).
His appointment to the Advisory Body demonstrates the UN’s dedication to ensuring gender, age, geography, and expertise diversity in AI and related disciplines.
The advisory body will consist of 38 members from various national and regional organizations. They will investigate how AI can be utilized to benefit society.
“To foster a globally inclusive approach, the UN Secretary-General is convening a multi-stakeholder High-level Advisory Body on AI to undertake analysis and advance recommendations for the international governance of AI,” read part of the statement.
“Globally coordinated AI governance is the only way to harness AI for humanity, while addressing its risks and uncertainties, as AI-related applications, algorithms, computing capacity and expertise become more widespread internationally.”
Getteres asserts that the advisory body will also set the stage for the Summit of the Future in 2024.
The objective of the summit is to establish a global scientific consensus on the risks, challenges, and potential of AI for attaining global sustainable goals.
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The recommendations of the Advisory body, due by mid-2024, will serve as a guide for governments and businesses navigating the ever-changing landscape of Artificial Intelligence.
In his response to the appointment, Thigo expressed his commitment to assuring the future development of AI that is safe, secure, and trustworthy.
“Expressing my profound gratitude to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the incredible honor of appointing me to his High-Level Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence, setting the stage for the Summit of the Future, where a Global Digital Compact is expected to be adopted,” he stated.
“I look forward to working with the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology and other appointed experts to consolidate global scientific consensus on AI risks, challenges, and the immense potential AI holds in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN remains the best place for multilateral governance, significantly when technology shapes the future of power and access to opportunity.”
Thigo is currently the Executive Director for Africa at Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and an Advisor to the Kenya Kwanza government.
Eliud Owalo, ICT Cabinet Secretary, recently designated him to help reform the ICT sector.
In addition to being recognized as one of the World’s 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government in 2018, the tech expert was recently named one of Africa’s Most Influential African Leaders in Technology and Telecommunications in 2023.
Kenyan Tech Whiz Philip Thigo Joins UN AI Advisory Team
