In a compelling address at the United Nations Digital Day event in New York, President Paul Kagame delivered a message of global significance, highlighting the indispensable role of artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating progress toward the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This momentous event, jointly organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together world leaders to explore the transformative potential of technology in achieving sustainable development.

Kagame, who co-chairs the Broadband Commission, placed a strong emphasis on the need for equitable access to high-speed internet, underlining its crucial role in ensuring that the benefits of technology are accessible to all. While acknowledging the strides made in expanding internet access, he pointed out that approximately one-third of the world’s population remains unconnected. Kagame firmly asserted that harnessing the power of artificial intelligence technology is essential to realize the Sustainable Development Goals, all the while emphasizing the need for AI to be a force for good rather than a hindrance.

Achieving universal connectivity, according to Kagame, hinges on reducing costs, investing in digital skills, and ensuring access to smart devices. He stressed that both the public and private sectors must collaborate to surmount these challenges, as they are too immense for any one entity to tackle in isolation.

Empowering Youth through Connectivity

Africa’s burgeoning youth population stands to benefit significantly from increased digital connectivity. Kagame’s call to connect the youth safely and meaningfully underscores the pivotal role of technology in unlocking their potential and enabling them to compete on a global scale.

The event marked the release of the SDG Digital Acceleration Plan, a comprehensive roadmap outlining the necessary steps, safeguards, and collaborative efforts required to bridge the gaps in delivering the 2030 Agenda. New pledges and commitments for universal meaningful connectivity were unveiled under the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.

President Kagame expressed his support for ITU’s call to increase pledges for the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition to a staggering $100 billion by 2026. He noted that nearly half of the $30 billion already raised will be allocated to enhancing digital connectivity in the least-developed countries. Kagame cited Rwanda’s remarkable experience with the GIGA initiative, a partnership led by ITU and UNICEF, which has succeeded in making internet connectivity faster and more affordable, particularly in 63 schools.

Highlighting the importance of youth empowerment, Kagame acknowledged Africa’s dynamic and youthful population, filled with passion for entrepreneurship and self-improvement. He emphasized that bridging the digital divide for young people would empower them to compete on the global stage and fulfill their boundless potential. Kagame passionately urged world leaders to harness the power of AI as an integral part of their efforts to achieve the SDGs while emphasizing the need for responsible AI governance frameworks to protect everyone.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development

Kagame’s call to leverage the potential of AI for the SDGs underscores the transformative nature of this technology. A collective and coordinated approach to AI governance is essential to ensure its benefits are equitable and far-reaching.

Kagame commended the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for its pivotal role in accelerating digital transformation and advancing progress toward the SDGs. The event’s opening remarks, jointly delivered by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, echoed the call for game-changing progress to realize the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The importance of this message cannot be overstated. President Kagame’s address at the United Nations Digital Day event serves as a clarion call for global leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to unite in their commitment to harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence and ensuring that high-speed internet access becomes a universal reality. This monumental undertaking is not only vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals but also for fostering a more inclusive and equitable world for all.