Ruto calls for stronger global cooperation on AI

President William Ruto has urged for increased global collaboration on Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing that the era should foster national autonomy instead of fostering new technological dependencies. Speaking at the High-Level Artificial Intelligence Middle Powers Coalition meeting in New York, alongside Finland's President Alexander Stubb, Ruto advocated for shared sovereignty. He argued that while pooling resources could be beneficial, national oversight remains essential to prevent dependency.

Ruto highlighted Africa's potential in AI, urging the continent to leverage its energy, resources, data, and talent to develop AI systems instead of merely importing the results. He cautioned against adopting an extractive digital economy, warning that Africa should not acquire the necessary minerals, energy, data, and talent and then rely on others for AI-generated intelligence at a high cost.

The Kenyan President detailed Kenya's pursuit of this agenda through its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which targets digital infrastructure, data, AI governance, research, innovation, and commercialisation. His vision is for AI to enhance agricultural output, bolster healthcare, broaden educational access, improve public services, and foster financial inclusion and job creation.

Ruto also called for the United Nations to play a central role in global AI governance, stressing that AI rules cannot be set by a select few or companies. He stressed that stakeholders affected by these technologies should actively shape them. President Stubb agreed, asserting that nations must have a stake in AI development, as the technology is too significant to be controlled by tech giants alone.

He proposed addressing AI at three levels—companies, governments, and regional regulatory bodies—while also establishing a global system through the United Nations.