Kenya Plays Lead Role in Landmark UN Deal on AI Governance
Kenya has achieved a significant diplomatic milestone following the unanimous agreement of all 193 United Nations Member States to establish two groundbreaking institutions aimed at governing artificial intelligence (AI).
Acting on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, Kenya played a crucial role in the negotiations that led to the creation of the Independent Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance. These institutions are intended to guide international efforts regarding the opportunities and risks associated with AI.
Objectives of the Institutions
Both institutions aim to tackle mounting concerns regarding AI’s potential to:
- Disrupt economies
- Deepen inequalities
- Undermine democratic processes
Simultaneously, they seek to unlock innovation and progress.
A Historic Achievement
This landmark agreement follows six months of intense negotiations at UN Headquarters in New York, culminating in a rare global consensus at a time when AI’s implications dominate policy debates worldwide.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended the outcome as “a significant step forward,” highlighting Kenya’s contributions to achieving this rare unanimity on such a critical issue intersecting technology, ethics, and geopolitics.
Details of the Institutions
The Independent Scientific Panel on AI will operate as a neutral, evidence-based entity synthesizing global research related to AI’s opportunities, risks, and impacts. Modeled partly after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it is expected to provide authoritative assessments that will inform policymakers.
The Global Dialogue on AI Governance will function as a multi-stakeholder platform, uniting governments, industry leaders, academia, civil society, and the UN system. Its mandate encompasses strengthening international cooperation, building trust, and exploring shared principles for governing AI in a safe, inclusive, and sustainable manner.
Kenya’s Leadership
Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology and a member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI, praised the landmark agreement, calling the experience “enriching and challenging.”
He emphasized that this consensus demonstrates the potential for collaboration in shaping AI for the common good, guided by science and rooted in cooperation among all nations.
Ambassador Thigo also acknowledged the importance of Kenya’s role in bridging the gap between developed and developing nations, stressing the need to ensure that the Global South is not merely a spectator in the AI revolution but a key architect of its governance.
Negotiation Challenges and Achievements
Ambassador Ekitela Lokaale, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, reflected on the complexities of the negotiations, noting that member states came with varying priorities, technological advancement levels, and geopolitical concerns. Through patience and Kenya’s bridge-building efforts, consensus was achieved.
This achievement illustrates what can be accomplished when multilateralism is prioritized, showcasing the importance of inclusive governance in shaping emerging technologies and international digital policy.
Next Steps
Following this landmark decision, the UN will initiate the establishment of both institutions, with operational plans, membership frameworks, and funding models expected to be developed in the coming months. The first outputs from the Scientific Panel are anticipated by 2027, while the Global Dialogue platform could be operational by 2026.
