NIGSD Executive Director Presents AI Governance Research to Advance 2030 Agenda at UN Meeting

Dr. Sherifa Sherif, the Executive Director of the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (NIGSD) and a member of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), continued her active participation in the annual committee meetings in New York.

Dr. Sherif presented a research paper titled “AI Governance to Advance the 2030 Agenda: Ensuring No One is Left Behind,” in collaboration with committee member Carlos Santiso. 

The paper’s discussion took place during the 23rd session of the committee held from April 15-19, 2024, under the theme “New Insights on Governance to Enhance Sustainable Development Goals and Eradicate Poverty.”

During the presentation, Dr. Sherif highlighted the diverse applications of artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide and its significant potential benefits. While AI can enhance human capabilities and improve citizens’ quality of life, the rapid technological advancements present numerous challenges, risks, and ethical concerns requiring urgent attention, emphasizing governments’ role in addressing these issues.

She further elaborated that AI has catalyzed transformations across various sectors and daily lives, providing opportunities to expedite the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. Despite AI’s multifaceted advantages, long-term concerns persist, particularly in developing countries, encompassing ethics, fairness, transparency, regulatory compliance, and digital rights protection.

The research paper reviewed several existing AI governance practices and concluded with recommendations. It emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation and unwavering commitment to ensuring an equitable distribution of AI benefits to contribute to achieving the 2030 goals. Additionally, the paper underscored AI’s importance for the public sector, its influence on policy design, and service delivery.

Dr. Sherif was appointed as the first Egyptian member of the CEPA in 2021. The committee, comprising 24 international experts in public administration from various countries worldwide, operates on a four-year term renewed after each period. Annually, the committee convenes to discuss administration and governance topics, presenting its recommendations to the UN Secretary-General for dissemination to member states for implementation.