I join my voice among other voices at this side event in TICAD to speak on the importance of Artificial Intelligence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention.

SDG 2030 and our long term people centered Agenda 2063 to define “The Africa We Want” are agendas anchored on how we are prepared to develop and to harness technologies, as levers for economic growth, and sustainable development. Today we are in the fourth industrial revolution, and it gaining exponential momentum with a huge potential to reshape our economies, social, cultural and individual lives.

We are all aware that at the core of this industrial revolution are “technologies” and artificial intelligence is among the fast developing technologies with progressively wider impact on many social and economic sectors. Its role to contribute to sustainable development cannot be over emphasized and it stems from its ability to enable other new technologies and improve efficiency to levels that by far pass the human limit and increase productivity across the entire value chains. Artificial Intelligence emphasizes the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans. AI is important to Disaster Risk Reduction because it has a lower error rate compared to human beings if coded properly. AI is linked to digitalization which requires investments in ICT Infrastructure to support the growth of a digital economy. But the development and use of AI should be supported by enabling policy environment with appropriate instruments and regulatory systems, to enable us to reap its benefits in a secure, equitable and sustainable way.

There is also a need to re-think skills revolution and up scaling of skills and digital literacy. We should implement the strategies that promote the human capital development. Digital technologies flourish in knowledge-based and innovation-led economies which also typically boast higher levels of educational attainment and provision of better quality education, Japan is a typical example with its Society 5.0 Strategy. The current use of common digital platforms such as social media also provides an indication of how ‘digitally literate’ the youth is increasing drastically and improving digital literacy, but will depend on the cost and access to smartphones, data and broadband services.

Africa is fully aware that we cannot afford to miss the Digital Transformation and we strongly recommend improving ICT, AI and machine Learning capacity including use of ICTs platforms at all levels of education, to promote education access and quality; research, knowledge generation, and innovation on Disaster Risk Reduction. I strongly believe that AI and machine learning can help improve disaster relief programs and this will be beneficial to our member states. We are rolling out three continental strategies that focus on (i) Education (CESA 16-25); (ii) TVET and Skills Revolution; and, (iii) Science, Technology and Innovation (STISA-2024). We are also developing a comprehensive Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa. We have strong focus to forge South-South and North-South cooperation to enhance international partnerships, for a collective action to harness emerging technologies.

I believe this seminar is very important and experts from Africa, Japan, and UNESCO will be able to give recommendations to abet disaster in Africa. I wish you a fruitful deliberation.

Thank you.