Discussion Theme 4: Fostering Regional& International Cooperation and Multistakeholder Collaboration to Advance Inclusive and Beneficial AI in Africa. Date and Time: Wednesday April 24 2024 (3:00 - 4:45 PM East African Time) Zoom link : https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcpdeurpzIvGNHA9JjTWoVzO8mbNZTuHWoX Moderator: Ms. Aretha Mare, Unit Manager Data Security Infrastructure &Governance, Smart Africa ( Aretha.mare@smartafrica.org<mailto:Aretha.mare@smartafrica.org>) Panellists: * Mr. Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah, Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations, UNESCO * Mr. Mactar Seck, Chief of Section - Innovation and Technology, UNECA * Mrs. Ndeye Maimouna Diop, AI specialist Ministry of Telecommunication and Digital Economy. * Gaspard DATONDJI, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Digital Transformation, Benin. Core Questions * How to raise awareness and mobilise African Countries towards a continental AI agenda? * What should be done to increase African participation in global AI discussions? * What is the modality of Africa's engagement and cooperation with nations, regions, and global governance institutions regarding AI issues? * What steps should be taken to mobilise resources to leverage AI for private sector innovation, social and economic development, and implementation of the AU AI Strategy? Lydia Gachungi Regional Adviser on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists Addis Ababa Liaison Office to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa/ National Office for Ethiopia. Niger Building, 1st Floor (ECA Compound) PO Box 1177 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Office Tel: +251 115443786 Mobile No: +251 945505333/ + 254722803724 Email:.l.gachungi@unesco.org https://en.unesco.org/fieldoffice/addisababa/ @LGachungi / @UNESCO_Addis [A blue and white logo Description automatically generated with low confidence]