ECA Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign 2024
"Guarded Innovation - Insights on AI Risks and Rewards"
Opening Remarks
by
Deputy Executive Secretary
Antonio Pedro
05 August 2024
at the UNHCC, CR-5
Distinguished Guests,
My colleagues from the UN system,
Fellow ECA Colleagues,
Good morning and welcome to the 2024 ECA Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign.
It is a privilege to open this year’s event, aptly themed "Guarded Innovation - Insights on AI Risks and Rewards." Over the next two days, we will explore the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence (AI), examining both its remarkable potential and the challenges it poses to our cybersecurity landscape.
First and foremost, allow me to join the Chief Information Technology Officer, Mr. Bernado Mariano Jr., in extending heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of this campaign. The ICT Services Section (ICTSS), under the leadership of Miama Betty Kolleh, Chief of ICTSS, must be commended for their unwavering commitment and for the relentless efforts in enhancing the Commission’s cybersecurity capabilities.
As we gather here today, whether in person or virtually, I urge all UN staff to actively participate in this campaign. Our engagement is crucial as we navigate this complex landscape of AI and its potential security implications. I am confident that the various sessions planned will provide, not just valuable insights, but a better understanding of AI technologies that will significantly contribute to a more empowered way of doing business. Furthermore, the ability to effectively address any associated security risks and protect the organization’s information assets is invaluable and cannot be understated.
Within the ECA, our Divisions have implemented several technology-driven initiatives and projects to deal with different environmental, social, and economic issues. Utilizing AI to underpin these innovations, while cautiously balancing the risks involved, demonstrates our commitment to SDG 9.
For example, we have developed Africa’s Macroeconomic Policy Analysis and Forecasting Model (AFRIMOD), a tool that facilitates the analysis of income distribution and poverty outcomes emanating from macroeconomic policies. Along the same vein, we are actively supporting the implementation of digital identities to improve public service delivery and enhance governance.
We are collaborating with the private sector and governments to improve health outcomes and showcase innovative approaches to leverage private sector capabilities to deliver better health services.
Using digital systems, we have worked with partners to:
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Improve cross border payments, through the Africa Trade Exchange platform;
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Empower girls with digital literacy and coding skills through the Girls Can Code Initiative;
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And enhance the generation and use of climate-related information for development planning and resilience building in Africa.
These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to leveraging innovation and technology for sustainable development.
Equally important, as we embrace these advancements, is the need to remain vigilant about the cybersecurity risks they present.
This campaign will help us understand the various risks and equip us with the pertinent skillsets to mitigate them. The event will feature in-depth discussions, engaging games to illustrate AI-driven security concepts, and informative presentations on the latest AI-related threats.
Each session or activity is designed to equip us with practical skills and strategies to protect both our personal and professional digital spaces.
In addition, the networking sessions will provide unique opportunities to connect with colleagues and industry experts, fostering collaboration and the much-needed exchange of ideas and experiences.
In closing, I would like to encourage each of you to embrace this campaign.
Let us harvest the knowledge shared, engage in meaningful discussions, and strengthen our collective ability to harness AI in a safe and smart manner.
In line with the UN Secretary General Quintet of Change and call to build a fitter for purpose UN, we must ensure that the ECA, and the UN family at large, remain at the forefront of innovation while safeguarding our digital environment and information assets.
It is my pleasure to declare the 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign officially open!
Thank you.