By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have launched a joint Capacity Development
Programme on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation aimed at
strengthening public sector readiness for responsible AI adoption.
The programme was launched
by the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) in collaboration with
UNESCO to help governments and public institutions build the skills, tools and
frameworks needed to effectively harness artificial intelligence.
Dr. Cosmas Luckyson
Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, said the
gap between AI’s potential and public sector preparedness is not only a
technical challenge but also a capacity development issue.
He noted that the initiative
is designed to support institutions in developing the capabilities required to
implement responsible AI solutions and ensure that the benefits of emerging
technologies reach citizens across societies.
The ITU–UNESCO programme
will focus on strengthening knowledge, improving institutional capacity and
supporting governments in developing approaches that promote safe, inclusive
and effective use of AI in public services.
The initiative forms part of
broader global efforts to ensure that countries, particularly those with
developing digital ecosystems, have the capacity to participate meaningfully in
the AI-driven transformation of economies and societies.
