Kenyan technology expert Philip Thigo appointed to UN advisory body on AI

Philip Thigo, a Kenyan technology and public policy expert, has been appointed as one of 38 distinguished experts to a United Nations advisory body on Artificial Intelligence (AI) announced by Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The initiative, as proposed in the Secretary-General's 2020 Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, and reiterated in June 2023, is a response to the rapid development of AI.

The body, comprising 20 women and 18 men and a permanent member of the Secretariat (UN SG’s Envoy on Technology, Amandeep Gill), is gender-balanced, geographically diverse, and inclusive of all age groups, representing 33 countries from all continents.

Mr. Thigo currently serves as the Executive Director for Africa at the Thunderbird School for Global Management – Arizona State University, and is an Advisor and technical lead on Open Government for the Government of Kenya.

He has previously been recognized as one of ‘World's 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government’ in 2018, and Africa's ‘Top #100 Most Influential African Leaders in Technology and Telecommunications’ in 2023.

Mr. Thigo was also recently appointed by the ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo to help reform the ICT, broadcast, and telecommunication sector in line with technological advancements.

The UN Advisory Body is not just 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.

It aims to consolidate global scientific consensus on AI risks, challenges, and the immense potential AI holds in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Their recommendations, due by the Summer of 2024, will serve as a compass for governments and businesses to navigate the swift currents of AI developments.

Understanding the significance of a participatory approach, the Body intends to actively engage with a plethora of stakeholders ranging from governments to faith-based organizations.

Mr. Thigo, in thanking the UN Secretary-General for the appointment, affirmed his commitment to ensuring the development of a safe, secure, and trusted AI future.

His appointment to the advisory body reaffirms Kenya's leadership in the realms of technology and digital governance, echoing its reputation as the ‘Silicon Savanna.’