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Kenyan Philip Thigo Joins UN Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence

Phillip Thigo (Photo Courtesy)

By Paul Aginnah | 27 Oct 2023

Known for his expertise in technology, data, and public policy, Philip Thigo has recently been appointed to the prestigious UN high-level Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence, solidifying his role as a key representative for the continent's engagement with crucial AI matters.

Known for his expertise in technology, data, and public policy, Philip Thigo has recently been appointed to the prestigious UN high-level Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence, solidifying his role as a key representative for the continent's engagement with crucial AI matters. With a notable portfolio, including collaborative ventures like Apps4Africa with the US State Department and Uchaguzi, designed to oversee elections across multiple African countries, Thigo's contribution to technological advancement has garnered international recognition.

Presently serving as the Point of Contact for the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and as the national focal point for the Global Partnership on Sustainable Development Data, Thigo's appointment to the UN advisory board underscores the UN's commitment to harnessing diverse expertise in AI and related fields from a multitude of sectors.

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The UN's initiative, proposed in the Secretary-General’s 2020 Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, responds to the rapid advancement of AI. The 38-member advisory body, inclusive of a permanent member of the Secretariat, UN SG’s Envoy on Technology, Amandeep Gill, represents 33 countries across all continents, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise in gender, age, and geography.

Thigo's appointment sets the stage for the upcoming Summit of the Future, slated to adopt a Global Digital Compact, designed to consolidate the global scientific consensus on AI risks, challenges, and the immense potential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the Advisory Body aims to engage actively with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including governments and faith-based organizations, Thigo reaffirms his dedication to steering the development of a safe, secure, and trusted AI future, accounting for the unique realities, aspirations, and perspectives of Kenya and the African Continent.

The UN's pivotal role in international AI governance cannot be understated, offering an essential and distinctive perspective on AI governance due to its universal inter-governmental legitimacy and historical significance in the realm of technology governance. Thigo's appointment to this Advisory Body serves as a testament to Kenya's leadership in technology and digital governance, further solidifying its reputation as the "Silicon Savanna" and emphasizing the region's contribution to the global technological landscape.