Steiner: UNDP working with African governments on AI adoption

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator, Achim Steiner, recently spoke about the impact of geo-political divisions and uncertainty on developing programmes worldwide, particularly in Africa. The discussion took place during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meetings in Davos, Switzerland, where key global leaders gather to address pressing economic and societal issues. Steiner highlighted the challenges faced by developing countries in Africa due to the disruptions and lack of clarity in the current global landscape. Steiner emphasized the significance of the ongoing discussions at Davos, noting the attention given to the future of technology, specifically artificial intelligence (AI), and its relevance to all countries and sectors. However, he pointed out that this focus on technology is interconnected with a broader sense of uncertainty prevailing in the world today. One of the primary concerns raised by Steiner was the impact of uncertainty on international investments, particularly in developing economies like those in Africa. He noted that global market instability often leads to a decrease in investment flows to the continent, hindering crucial sectors such as clean energy infrastructure. Despite the global trend towards renewable energy investments, Africa still receives a disproportionately low amount of such funding, posing a challenge to the region's economic development. The conversation also touched upon the incoming administration in the United States and its potential policies' impact on global cooperation and development efforts. Steiner underscored the importance of international collaboration for successful development outcomes, expressing concerns about the growing skepticism towards international institutions in some quarters. Regarding the role of AI in shaping the future economy, Steiner highlighted the need to address potential inequalities that could arise from the adoption of advanced technologies. He stressed the importance of ensuring that AI benefits everyone, particularly in developing countries, by investing in skills development and institutional capacity. Steiner mentioned the UNDP's focus on working with African governments to enhance digital infrastructure, promote skills development, and leverage AI for sustainable development initiatives. Furthermore, Steiner discussed the UNDP's engagement in critical minerals projects on the African continent, aiming to advise governments on regulatory frameworks and market conditions for the benefit of local communities. By supporting value-added processing of minerals within Africa, UNDP seeks to contribute to the region's industrialization goals. In conclusion, Steiner's insights shed light on the pressing challenges facing developing countries amidst global uncertainty and geopolitical shifts. The discussions at the WEF Davos Summit serve as a platform for leaders to address these issues collectively and work towards finding solutions that promote inclusive and sustainable development worldwide.