Lesotho called for equitable partnerships in the development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), urging the international community to ensure that developing countries are active participants in shaping the global digital future.
The call was made by the Permanent Representative of Lesotho to the United Nations Office at Geneva and also Ambassador of Lesotho to Switzerland Mr. Tšiu Khathibe at the AI for Developing Countries (AIFOD) Forum – Geneva Summit, which is being held from August 12 to 14 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Addressing delegates, Ambassador Khathibe said developing countries should not be treated as mere consumers of imported digital technologies or sources of data but should instead participate in designing AI solutions that respond to their specific needs.
“Lesotho does not arrive in Geneva seeking charity. We arrive seeking authentic, equitable partnership,” he said.
He also said Lesotho was ready to work with the global technology community, international financial institutions and other developing countries to develop ethical approaches to AI and pilot solutions suited to its national circumstances.
He mentioned that such solutions could include the use of predictive climate models to support agricultural planning and smart logistics to improve the delivery of public health services in rural areas.
He noted that the digital divide remains a major challenge, particularly for developing countries, as advanced machine learning models, predictive data systems and generative AI tools require strong digital foundations that many countries are still working to establish.
Ambassador therefore called for a multi-stakeholder alliance in which Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are recognized as active co-designers of the global digital future.
He said the AIFOD Forum provides an opportunity for countries to build trust, share experiences and develop partnerships that can ensure AI contributes to inclusive and sustainable development.
He also expressed gratitude to the hosts in Geneva and the AIFOD organizers for creating a platform for dialogue on the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
The AIFOD Forum – Geneva Summit is expected to provide a platform for discussions on AI policy, frameworks and cooperation among developing countries and other stakeholders.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
