Launch of a New Center on Equitable AI Governance Led out of Africa

Africa’s first dedicated think tank on AI governance, advancing local expertise to level the playing field for global debates on AI.

THURSDAY 16TH MAY 2024

The Global Center on AI Governance (GCG) is a new global research hub based out of Cape Town, South Africa. It’s leading the charge for evidence-led action on inclusive and equitable approaches to the use and governance of AI technologies. 

The Center brings together an interdisciplinary mix of African and global experts, led by Dr Rachel Adams, who serves on numerous international expert committees including UNESCO, the UN, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation AI Ethics and Safety Committee and the Global Partnership on AI. Rachel said:

"Major imbalances exist in the power of people, communities, and governments across the Majority World to set the terms of the debate on AI in general and responsible AI governance in particular. GCG is working to level the playing field by advancing local insights to create global impact.".

Reflecting their mission to forge equitable AI futures for everyone, everywhere, GCG will be housing two major initiatives: the African Observatory on Responsible AI (AORAI) and the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI).

Over the past three years, AORAI has built extensive expertise on responsible AI, deepening influential networks across the African Continent. The Global Index on Responsible AI is an action-orientated global research tool, establishing inclusive and human-rights based benchmarks for responsible AI. Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO, Gabriela Ramos said:

“The Global AI Index is a wonderful tool that on top of its goals is supporting positively the implementation of the UNESCO Recommendations on Ethics in AI, by generating key data on responsible AI commitments and progress in 140 countries”

Backed by leading international development agencies such as the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and USAID, GCG boasts an extensive network of over 160 researchers and partners, working in 140 countries worldwide. 

Alongside rankings and a flagship report, GCG will be launching the Global Index on Responsible AI at the Global Digital Development Forum, taking place between 12-13 June 2024. This will be a pivotal moment for GCG launching the first global research tool on responsible AI led out of the global South. 

In parallel to their multidisciplinary research activities, GCG conducts capacity strengthening in responsible AI, offering upcoming executive courses on AI Ethics and Policy in Africa, with the The Ethics Lab at the University of Cape Town. GCG also plays an active role in national, regional and global AI policy processes, and provides policy advisory services to AI decision-makers.

For interview requests, more information on GCG and press kit, please contact Sally Kuria:
sally@globalcenter.ai

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