Kenya’s Philip Thigo advocates for responsible AI at UNGA 80

Special Envoy on Technology for H.E. the President of the Republic of Kenya, Ambassador Philip Thigo, has called for inclusive and human-centered standards in artificial intelligence (AI) governance during UN Digital Cooperation Day at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80).

Speaking under the theme “Shaping Responsible AI Use Through International Standards and Cooperation”, Ambassador Thigo stressed that AI standards must not be confined to narrow technical protocols. Instead, they should be inclusive, interoperable, rooted in human rights and accountability, and applied throughout the AI lifecycle — from data and compute to model development, deployment, and oversight.

“Without shared socio-technical standards, we risk fragmentation and the erosion of trust in AI,” he cautioned.

In his intervention, the Kenyan envoy underscored the importance of bridging the gap between policymakers and standard-setting bodies, while also investing in capacity development across the AI stack. This includes ensuring diverse and representative data, accessible green computing, and robust governance frameworks that safeguard both people and the planet.

Ambassador Thigo also highlighted Kenya’s leadership on the global stage, recalling the adoption of the first-ever UN Environment Assembly resolution on “Safe, Responsible, and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and Planet” during UNEA-7 in Nairobi earlier this year. The landmark resolution recognizes that AI governance must advance not only innovation but also environmental stewardship and social justice.

As the global community charts the path forward, he also reiterated Kenya’s commitment to shaping AI standards that ensure safety, equity, sustainability, and inclusivity, noting that the challenge ahead is to redefine standards so that technology truly serves humanity.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye