Artificial intelligence (AI) will be key to accelerating progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set out by the United Nations, President Paul Kagame has said.
The Head of State made the call during his address at the United Nations Digital Day in New York, an event brought together by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
All over the world, Kagame pointed out, we are witnessing the power of technology to transform lives.
"The Broadband Commission, which I am honoured to co-chair, was created to ensure equitable access to high-speed internet so that everyone benefits," but, he added, "Unfortunately, a third of the world's population still remains offline."
"To cross the finish line, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to leverage the power of [artificial intelligence] technology. We have to keep in mind that it must work for us, not against us." President Kagame | SDG Digital Day. #GlobalGoals #UNGA78 pic.twitter.com/qPsrGisXB7-- Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) September 17, 2023
To reach universal connectivity, Kagame asserted, "we must reduce costs, and invest in digital skills and access to smart devices."
"Everyone has their part to unlock these results, both in the public and private sectors, and still, these challenges are too big for anyone to solve alone."
Digital Day was marked by the release of the SDG Digital Acceleration Plan, outlining steps, safeguards, and collaborative efforts needed to bridge the gaps for delivering the 2030 Agenda.
It also saw the announcement of new pledges and commitments for universal meaningful connectivity under the umbrella of the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.
In this context, President Kagame said that the Secretary-General's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation provides world leaders with a strong framework to work together to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.
Sharing Rwanda's experience, Kagame said the government supports ITU's call to the public and private sectors, to increase their pledges for the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, to 100 billion dollars by 2026, citing that of the 30 billion dollars already raised, almost half will be used to enhance digital connectivity in least-developed countries.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"This shows that we are taking positive steps in the right direction to build digital capacity where it can have the greatest impact.
"In Rwanda, through the GIGA initiative, spearheaded by ITU and UNICEF, we are seeing first-hand the value of partnership. The pilot project in 63 schools has made connectivity faster and cheaper," he added.
Giving opportunities to the youth
Africa is blessed to have a young and vibrant population, passionate about entrepreneurship and self-improvement, Kagame told world leaders in New York, adding that, we cannot afford to have the digital divide stifle their creativity and productivity.
"Connecting them online, in a safe and meaningful manner, is about giving them the opportunity to compete in the global market, and achieve their full potential," he highlighted.
Reacting to the potential of AI, the Head of State urged world leaders to leverage its power, as part of the efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
"We have to keep in mind that it must work for us, not against us," he said.
"We will need a collective and coordinated approach to A.I. governance frameworks, which protect everyone, everywhere. This is well within our means."
Kagame commended the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), under the leadership of Doreen Bogdan-Martin, for the institution's work to accelerate digital transformation.
In joint opening remarks, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner called for game-changing progress to achieve the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
