Kenyan tech expert Philip Thigo has been appointed to a high-level advisory board on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. This appointment signifies the UN’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in the field of AI across various dimensions, including gender, age, geography, and expertise.
The newly established advisory body, composed of 38 members from diverse national and regional backgrounds, has a significant mission ahead. They will be responsible for exploring how AI can be harnessed for the benefit of society. This is a crucial step toward ensuring that AI serves the greater good, while also addressing the associated risks and uncertainties. As AI-related technologies continue to expand globally, coordinated governance becomes increasingly essential.
One noteworthy aspect of this advisory body’s work is its role in setting the stage for the 2024 Summit of the Future. This summit aims to establish a global scientific consensus on the risks and potential of AI in achieving sustainable goals on a global scale. The recommendations of the advisory body, expected by mid-2024, will serve as a guiding tool for governments and businesses navigating the ever-evolving AI landscape.
In response to his appointment, Philip Thigo expressed his commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and trusted AI future. He emphasized the importance of multilateral governance, especially in a world where technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the future and determining access to opportunities.
Philip Thigo’s impressive background as the Executive Director for Africa at the Thunderbird School for Global Management and his role as an advisor to the Kenyan government highlight his expertise in the tech and policy domains. His recent appointment by Kenya’s ICT Cabinet Secretary to help reform the ICT sector underscores his significance in the tech arena.
Notably, Philip Thigo’s previous recognition among the World’s 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government in 2018 and his recent inclusion among Africa’s Most Influential African Leaders in Technology and Telecommunications in 2023 demonstrate the impact he has made in the digital and tech sphere.
This appointment is not only a testament to Philip Thigo’s expertise but also an exciting development in the global conversation around AI governance and its impact on society. It’s a great example of how individuals with a strong background in technology and policy can play a vital role in shaping the future of AI for the betterment of humanity.