The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), with participation from the departments of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), convened the first meeting of the G20 Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development on 25 and 26 February 2025. The virtual meeting was chaired by Alfred Mashishi, Deputy Director-General (DDG) of International Affairs and Trade at the DCDT.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo, DDG: Global Governance and Continental Agenda (DIRCO), and South Africa’s G20 Sous-Sherpa. Ambassador Mabhongo noted that the establishment of the Task Force on AI, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development reflects the priority that the South African G20 presidency attaches to AI but also an appreciation of its cross-cutting nature, affecting all areas of human life.
The meeting reflected that the AI Task Force presents an opportunity for G20 members to respond to the fragmented approach to AI and to address the limitations in international AI governance. It was noted that the AI Task Force is intended to serve as a platform that allows all players an equal opportunity to shape the future of AI, including its use for the global public interest and to effectively address the multifaceted risks associated with AI while maximising the benefits to support inclusive and sustainable social and economic transformation.
South Africa outlined the envisaged deliverables of the AI Task Force, to be organised in collaboration with G20 partners. These include, among others:
- The launch of an AI for Africa initiative linked to capacity-building programmes for African women on AI
- The launch of the AI for Africa Conference on the margins of the AI Task Force Ministerial enhancing African contributions to global governance and regional and national policy, including the advancement of African grassroots organisations such as Deep Learning Indaba, Data Science Africa, and the Masakhane Research Foundation, which have been mobilising for continent-scale changes
- Three high-level workshops, notably
- Data Governance Dialogue
- Promoting ethical and responsible applications of AI for innovation and for sustainable development
- Focus on the use of AI in science.
South Africa’s initiative to establish this Task Force was welcomed by all G20 members, invited guest countries, international organisations and knowledge partners who expressed their willingness to work with South Africa to ensure the success of this Task Force.
The second meeting of the AI Task Force will take place in person on 10 and 11 April 2025 in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The outcomes of the AI Task Force will inform discussions at the G20 AI Task Force Ministerial Meeting in September 2025 and will be reflected in the G20 Leaders’ Declaration.
