Somalia Calls for Inclusive Global AI Governance at UN Dialogue in Geneva

Geneva,Switzerland(SONNA)-Somalia has called for stronger international cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) governance as it took part in the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva, marking the country's first participation in the global forum.

The Somali delegation, led by Minister of Communications and Technology Mohamed Adam Moalim (Somali), joined ministers, senior government officials, technology experts and representatives of UN member states at the two-day dialogue, coordinated by UNESCO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Opened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the dialogue aims to ensure global AI governance reflects the priorities of all countries, not only the most technologically advanced.

Addressing the summit, the minister described AI as a major opportunity to improve public services, accelerate economic growth and drive innovation, while stressing that its development must be guided by inclusive, trusted and internationally coordinated governance.

He said developing countries, including Somalia, continue to face challenges in digital infrastructure, energy, data availability and AI skills, and called for stronger international cooperation to ensure equitable access to AI technologies and their benefits.

The minister reaffirmed Somalia's commitment to working with the United Nations and international partners to build a safe, secure and inclusive AI governance framework that supports sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Somalia's participation underscores its growing engagement in international efforts to shape the future of AI governance and ensure developing countries have a voice in global decision-making on emerging technologies.