Video Message
Strengthening AI Capabilities and Governance for Sustainable Digital Transformation in Africa and Asia-Pacific
Excellencies,
Colleagues and friends,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Capacity Building Workshop on “Strengthening AI Capabilities and Governance for Sustainable Digital Transformation in Africa and Asia-Pacific.”
I sincerely thank the Government of the People’s Republic of China, Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, and all our partners for supporting this important initiative.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economies, societies, and public institutions —changing how governments deliver services, how
it is changing businesses innovate, and how people interact with public institutions.
At the same time, AI is bringing new, complex governance challenges and risks that demand urgent attention and coordinated international cooperation.
Today, many developing countries face critical gaps in AI readiness, institutional capacity, and governance frameworks.
The United Nations E-Government Survey 2024 reveals that very few countries have established regulatory frameworks for the ethical and responsible use of AI in public administration.
These governance gaps have real consequences. They hinder the ability of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to leverage AI for innovation and job creation, and they may also stall our broader progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
This is why AI capacity-building is no longer optional; it is essential.
To prevent the benefits of AI from concentrating in the hands of a few and widening global digital divides, countries need robust national AI strategies, inclusive public institutions, effective data governance, and strong technical capacities.
AI must act as an engine for sustainable, inclusive growth that strengthens public service delivery and empowers MSMEs.
The international community recognizes this urgency. UN General Assembly resolutions and global discussions on digital development echo a unified message: AI governance must be inclusive, development-oriented, and grounded in multistakeholder cooperation and international solidarity.
Member States have explicitly called for international cooperation and partnerships to support training, access to open models, computing data, and the participation of MSMEs, especially in developing countries.
This workshop responds directly to that call.
Over the coming days, you will exchange actionable insights with leaders and experts from government, academia, innovation hubs and the private sector, to bridge the gap between AI governance and practical implementation.
My Department, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, remains fully committed to supporting Member States in advancing digital government capacities and global AI cooperation.
I hope this workshop will foster new partnerships, practical learning, and sustained South-South cooperation.
I wish you highly productive discussions and a successful workshop.
Thank you.