Building Capacities for Digital Transformation - Tech Digital Minds
On October 6, the world witnessed a significant step towards the responsible governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso, the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations in Geneva, inaugurated the training course titled “AI Governance in Practice: Developing Secure and Innovative Frameworks.” This initiative is part of the EU-funded Global Gateway strategy, aimed at investing in sustainable and trustworthy infrastructure globally, encompassing diverse sectors such as digital networks, clean energy, transport, health, and education.
The training convenes 33 policymakers, regulators, and AI experts hailing from 31 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, creating a uniquely multicultural environment in Geneva. The participants will collaborate for one week, engaging in a series of interactive sessions and hands-on exercises designed to craft tailored five-year AI governance roadmaps. These roadmaps are intended to guide their respective national or institutional strategies, ensuring that AI implementation aligns with broader societal goals.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Cervone d’Urso articulated the dual nature of AI, emphasizing both its transformative potential and the accompanying challenges. He stated, “Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant prospect—it is already transforming our societies, economies, and daily lives.” This powerful statement underscores the urgency of addressing ethical considerations, human rights, data protection, cybersecurity, and public trust as critical elements of AI governance.
A significant focus during the training will be the EU’s pioneering AI Act, hailed as the first comprehensive legal framework for trustworthy AI. Ambassador Cervone d’Urso highlighted the importance of responsible, human-centered AI development, indicating that the Act sets clear rules, grounded in European values, ensuring dignity, fundamental rights, transparency, and accountability. It also aims to foster innovation securely, demonstrating the EU’s leadership in establishing a robust governance framework.
The training week is structured to provide an in-depth exploration of the AI lifecycle. Participants will engage in debates addressing ethical dilemmas and analyze security and data risks. One of the key features will be simulating real-world policy responses, allowing participants to actively apply their knowledge and skills. Most importantly, they will collaborate to co-create five-year AI governance roadmaps that are directly relevant to their national or institutional contexts. This collaborative, practice-based approach is crucial for bridging differences and fostering trust in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving landscape of AI.
Ambassador Cervone d’Urso stressed the necessity of multilateral cooperation in addressing the digital divide that persists globally. The EU is committed to building partnerships that enhance capacity and knowledge sharing across borders. By pooling resources, learning from each other’s experiences, and fostering collaborations, the ambition is to ensure that AI and broader digital transformation serve as catalysts for progress—benefiting everyone, everywhere.
For those interested in learning more about these initiatives, the Global Gateway and ITU Academy websites offer a wealth of information. These platforms are dedicated to promoting international partnerships and enhancing AI governance practices through education and training.
As this training progresses, the commitment to responsible AI governance and collaboration stands out as a vital mission for the future of technology—a future that must prioritize public good and sustainable development.
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