Ministry focuses on responsible use of AI
Tech expands at 'unprecedented rate'
Namibia has committed to adopt the United Nations' Ethics of Artificial Intelligence recommendation.
As artificial intellegence (AI) continues to expand at an unprecedented rate, the ministry of information and communication technology hopes to put the responsible use of AI on the forefront. In a bid to ensure this, spokesperson Shoki Kandjimi said an AI institute is set to be developed under the ministry of higher education, technology and innovation. Kandjimi shared that information ministry's voice is not lost in this endeavour, as its representatives will serve on the steering committee in the implementation of this project under the direction of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST).
"AI is unavoidable and, as a country, Namibia has no choice but to embrace it in all the spheres of the economy by ensuring that the nation aligns itself with ongoing initiatives and creates national platforms to delve into the subject matter," Kandjimi said.
He explained that Namibia has committed to adopt the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence recommendation, as set out by the United Nations (UN). "Namibia - like any other UN member state - is expected to apply the provisions of the recommendation voluntarily, although we are not legally obligated to," he noted.
The UN's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) is also currently undertaking an assessment of Namibia among other countries to evaluate their preparedness for the adoption and implementation of AI technologies.
He shared that the aim of this assessment is "to guide countries to strengthen individuals and institutions in developing and implementing regulatory and policy frameworks to address AI challenges".
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