By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Zambia has called for more
inclusive and capacity-driven global approaches to artificial intelligence
governance, stressing that developing countries must be fully enabled to
participate in shaping the future of AI policy and innovation.
Speaking during a briefing
on preparations for the inaugural Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence
Governance, Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Chola
Milambo, emphasized that AI governance and capacity-building must advance in
tandem to ensure equitable participation in the global digital economy.
The briefing, held on 11
June 2026 in New York, brought together representatives from member states and
international organizations to review preparations for the upcoming Global
Dialogue on AI Governance, which is scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland,
from 8 to 9 July 2026 under the framework of the Global Digital Compact.
Dr. Milambo highlighted the
need to address persistent gaps in infrastructure, technical skills, data
access, computing capacity, and innovation ecosystems, which continue to limit
many developing countries from fully engaging in artificial intelligence development
and governance.
China’s Permanent
Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, reaffirmed his country’s
commitment to participating at a high level in the Dialogue, describing it as
an important platform for exchanging experiences on artificial intelligence
development and its role in supporting sustainable development.
The Co-Chairs of the
Dialogue, Egriselda López and Rein Tammsaar, underscored the importance of
inclusive multistakeholder cooperation in shaping global AI governance
frameworks.
Representatives of the
International Telecommunication Union and the UNESCO also provided updates on
ongoing preparations for the Dialogue, noting its significance as part of the
implementation of the Global Digital Compact adopted by the United Nations General
Assembly in 2024.
During the interactive
discussions, delegates stressed the need for practical and action-oriented
outcomes, stronger international cooperation, and enhanced support for
capacity-building to ensure that AI governance frameworks are inclusive,
balanced, and responsive to the needs of all countries.
The upcoming Global Dialogue
on AI Governance is expected to serve as a key platform for advancing shared
principles and coordinated action on artificial intelligence at the global
level.
