Rwandan President Paul Kagame has been appointed Co-Chair of the newly established International Commission on Artificial Intelligence (AI), an initiative launched by the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to promote the responsible, inclusive, and trustworthy development of artificial intelligence worldwide.
The commission was unveiled in early July 2026 during the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland. It aims to harness AI for the public good by advancing practical and trustworthy AI solutions, expanding global access to the technology, and accelerating its application in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
One of the commission’s key priorities is ensuring that developing countries are not left behind as AI continues to transform economies and societies. It will place particular emphasis on narrowing the digital and technological divide, especially in regions with limited access to digital infrastructure.
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Kagame to Lead Alongside Global Technology and UN Leaders
President Kagame will serve as Co-Chair alongside Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce, and Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
His appointment reflects Africa’s growing influence in shaping global conversations on artificial intelligence and highlights the continent’s increasing role in advancing innovation and sustainable development.
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Rwanda’s Leadership in Artificial Intelligence
Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa’s leading voices in AI governance. The country has adopted a National Artificial Intelligence Policy and, in 2025, hosted Africa’s first AI Summit, reinforcing its reputation as a champion of responsible, ethical, and inclusive AI innovation.
The International Commission on Artificial Intelligence brings together more than 40 founding members, including heads of state and government, senior United Nations officials, global technology executives, and international policymakers. The commission will provide strategic guidance on how AI can be developed and deployed in ways that promote shared prosperity while minimizing risks.
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Calls for Inclusive and Trustworthy AI
Speaking after his appointment, President Kagame emphasized that technology should remain a force for good and called for stronger international cooperation to reduce inequalities and ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence reach people in every part of the world.
Marc Benioff said that while AI has enormous potential to drive economic growth, innovation, and productivity, public trust will be essential if the technology is to achieve its full promise.
First Meeting Scheduled During UN Digital Week
The commission is expected to hold its inaugural meeting during the AI for Good Global Summit 2026, taking place in Geneva from July 7 to 10 as part of the United Nations’ Digital Week.
Its membership includes executives from leading global technology companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, NVIDIA, Google, MTN Group, Qualcomm, Vodafone, and Accenture. It also includes representatives from the African Union, UNESCO, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and governments including Rwanda, Namibia, Nigeria, Singapore, Kazakhstan, Estonia, and Iceland.
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Bridging the Global Digital Divide
According to the commission, an estimated 2.2 billion people around the world still lack access to the internet, with the majority living in developing countries, particularly across Africa. Closing this digital divide has been identified as one of the commission’s central priorities as it works to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared more equitably across the globe.
