Protocols:
Honourable Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy: Dr Bosun Tijani
UN Resident Coordinator/ Humanitarian Coordinator: Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall
EU Delegate Present (Name to be inserted on the day)
Our consultant for the project: Dr Adekemi Omotubora
Representatives from the ministries and Agencies
The Project Steering Committees and Technical Working Group
My Colleagues from HQ (Virtually connected) and UN family Present.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen
Good morning and a warm welcome to UN House for this significant occasion—the official launch event of UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in Nigeria.
It is with great pleasure that I extend my greetings to you all on behalf of the UNESCO Abuja Office. Today’s event signifies a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards embracing ethical artificial intelligence practices. As we gather here at the UN House, we are reminded of the transformative potential of AI in driving innovation and sustainable development across our nation. UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) stands as a beacon of guidance, ensuring that our advancements in AI are not only groundbreaking but also aligned with global standards of ethics and responsibility. We are particularly proud that Nigeria is joining us as part of UNESCO’s custodial role in promoting the ethics of AI worldwide. UNESCO’s Recommendations on the Ethics of AI, adopted by 193 countries, provide a robust framework for the responsible and ethical development and deployment of AI technologies. These recommendations emphasize human rights, fairness, transparency, and accountability, and it is heartening to see Nigeria committing to these principles as we work together to build an inclusive and ethical AI ecosystem.
I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for his unwavering commitment and dedication to this project and to developing Nigeria’s national strategy on AI. Your leadership in this rapidly evolving field is truly commendable. Under your visionary guidance, Nigeria is poised to become a leader in ethical AI implementation, setting a benchmark for other nations to follow. Your tireless efforts and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in driving progress and innovation, ensuring that Nigeria’s AI strategy is robust, inclusive, and ethically sound.
Honourable Minister, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
As we gather here today, we are reminded of the profound impact that artificial intelligence has on our society. AI permeates many aspects of our daily lives, and its ethical implications have become a focal point for all actors within the ecosystem. Recognizing this, in 2023, UNESCO launched the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) as a pivotal tool for implementing its Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, which was adopted by 193 countries in 2021.
The RAM, with its comprehensive framework consisting of five dimensions, serves as a vital instrument for assessing a country’s readiness to implement AI ethically and responsibly. It highlights strengths and identifies infrastructural, institutional, and regulatory gaps, enabling nations to address these challenges effectively and create an ethical AI ecosystem.
Today marks a significant milestone as we introduce and launch the RAM in Nigeria, bringing together leading experts and stakeholders from diverse fields, united in our commitment to ensuring that AI is developed and deployed in ways that uphold human rights, fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Honourable Minister, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Your presence here today is invaluable. It signifies a collective commitment to fostering an ethical AI ecosystem that benefits all citizens of Nigeria. We are confident that with your support and collaboration, we can achieve remarkable progress in this endeavor.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend Ms. Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing UNESCO’s mission globally. Her vision has been instrumental in shaping initiatives like the RAM, which are pivotal in guiding nations towards ethical AI practices.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our lead consultant Dr. Adekemi Omotubora for her remarkable efforts and dedication so far to this project. I am confident that, with her continued support, we will achieve a comprehensive and insightful report for Nigeria.
I firmly believe that today’s discussions will pave the way for significant advancements in our national AI strategy, aligning with UNESCO’s global mission of promoting ethical AI.
Thank you once again for joining us today. Let us embark on this journey together, as we work towards a future where AI is harnessed for the greater good, in alignment with our shared values and ethical principles.
Thank you.
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