On 20 August 2025, the United Nations University (UNU) and the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Tokyo will co-host the panel discussion "Governance in the Digital Era: Lessons for Africa", a thematic side event of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transform governance and society, this panel will explore how inclusive, transparent and context-specific governance frameworks can ensure these technologies support sustainable development across Africa.
Drawing on the Hiroshima Process, launched under Japan’s 2023 G7 Presidency, the discussion will reflect on Japan’s role in promoting human-centred and ethical approaches to AI governance. Panellists will consider how global frameworks, including the Global Digital Compact, can be adapted to Africa’s priorities and challenges, and how African leadership can help shape global norms from the continent's perspective.
Panel Session
Moderator
- Prof. Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi, Director of UNU-IAS
Panellists
- Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of UNU and Under-Secretary-General of the UN
- Mr. Nobuo Kiriyama, Director General for International Affairs, Global Strategy Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan
- Prof. Jun-ichi Takada, Executive Vice President for Global Affairs, Institute of Science Tokyo
- Prof. Carol Anne Spreen, Associate Professor of International Education, New York University
Please note that this event will be in English with simultaneous interpretation in Japanese. Advance registration is required. Please click on the REGISTER button above to access the registration page.
