- The advisory body comprises 38 members (20 women and 18 men).
- It also has a permanent member of the Secretariat.
Image: Open Government
Technology and Public Policy Expert Philip Thigo has been appointed to the United Nations Secretary General's High-Level advisory body.
In his new appointment, Thigo will give advisory services on Artificial Intelligence in the office of the UN Secretary-General.
"His appointment to the Advisory Body signals the UN's commitment to harness profound knowledge across AI and related fields from a variety of sectors, ensuring inclusivity in terms of gender, age, geography, and expertise," read the statement announcing his appointment on Thursday.
The announcement came after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres established an advisory body on Artificial Intelligence in response to the rapid development of AI.
The advisory body comprises 38 members (20 women and 18 men). It also has a permanent member of the Secretariat.
"The body is gender-balanced, geographically diverse, and inclusive of all age groups, representing 33 countries from all continents," read the statement in part.
The advisory body is not only a response to the rapid growth of AI but also sets the stage for the Summit of the Future, where a Global Digital Compact is expected to be adopted.
The body aims to consolidate global scientific consensus on AI risks, challenges, and the immense potential AI holds in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Currently, Thigo serves as the Executive Director for Africa at the Thunderbird School for Global Management – at Arizona State University and is an Advisor and technical lead on Open Government for the Government of Kenya.
He was recognised as the "World's 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government" in 2018 and as one of Africa's "Top 100 Most Influential African Leaders in Technology and Telecommunications" in 2023.
Further, he was recently appointed by ICT CS Eliud Owalo to help reform the ICT, broadcast, and telecommunication sectors in line with technological advancements.
Thigo, in thanking the UN Secretary-General for his appointment, affirmed his commitment to ensuring the development of a safe, secure, and trusted AI future is inclusive of the realities, aspirations, and perspectives of Kenya and that of the African Continent, in line with the fundamental values of human rights.
"AI, while posing risks to human existence, also has the potential to help solve some of our greatest developmental challenges, such as food security, climate change, high disease burden, and poverty," he said.
Thigo's appointment to the Advisory Body reaffirms Kenya's leadership in the realms of technology and digital governance, echoing its reputation as the "Silicon Savanna."
With Kenya's representation and the combined expertise of the Body, the global AI governance landscape looks set for a transformation, ensuring that the digital future is inclusive, equitable, and serves humanity at large.
Image: HANDOUT