Kagame named chair of UN-backed global AI commission

By The Inspirer. 

President Paul Kagame has been named chair of the newly established AI for Good Global Commission, a United Nations-backed initiative aimed at promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive global development.

The commission, established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with the United Nations, seeks to advance AI solutions that improve lives, address global challenges and ensure the technology is developed and used in a safe, inclusive and ethical manner.

Kagame will lead the commission alongside Marc Benioff, founder and CEO of Salesforce, while ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin will serve as vice-chair.

The 44-member commission brings together heads of state, international organisation leaders, researchers and executives from some of the world’s leading technology companies, including Microsoft, NVIDIA, Amazon, Anthropic, Accenture and Cohere.

Its mandate includes providing guidance on global AI governance, strengthening cooperation between governments, technology companies and international institutions, and helping developing countries harness AI for social and economic progress.

The commission will also work on developing frameworks to ensure AI respects human rights, builds public trust and supports sustainable development.

It will explore how AI can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including advancing healthcare, education, agriculture, climate action and economic opportunities.

Kagame’s appointment comes as Rwanda continues to position itself as a technology-driven economy through investments in digital transformation, innovation and emerging technologies.

The first meeting of the AI for Good Global Commission is scheduled for July 8, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026.

Rwanda has in recent years expanded its focus on artificial intelligence and digital innovation, including plans to establish a national AI centre and hosting the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali in 2025.