President Paul Kagame has called for everyone to have a say in shaping the future development and use of artificial intelligence (AI), stressing that its benefits should reach all people regardless of their economic status or where they live.
He made the remarks during a virtual meeting of the International AI for Good Commission, which he co-chairs with Marc Benioff, CEO and co-founder of technology company Salesforce.
The meeting was also attended by Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Vice-Chair of the Commission, alongside other members.
Kagame said that as AI continues to advance, opportunities to harness its potential are also growing. However, he emphasised that ensuring its benefits reach everyone requires diverse participation in decisions about how the technology is developed and used.
“AI continues to advance, and the purpose of this Commission is to explore how everyone, everywhere, can benefit from it. The benefits of AI are immense, particularly when everyone has a role in shaping the direction this technology will take in the future,” he said.
He stressed that the Commission must continue asking critical questions about AI development and use the available time, expertise and resources to find practical solutions.
Kagame said Rwanda was ready to support the AI for Good initiative and contribute to implementing its strategies, with the aim of expanding the adoption of AI and ensuring more people benefit from the technology.
On June 8, 2026, Rwanda approved the establishment of a national artificial intelligence agency to accelerate the development and application of AI in the country.
The agency is expected to drive technological advancement and innovation while supporting investment and governance frameworks to advance the country’s technological transformation.
Participants also reviewed progress made under the Commission’s activities and discussed priorities for the next phase, focusing on how AI can contribute to economic development and improve people’s livelihoods.
AI for Good is an initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with other organisations and experts, to promote the development and use of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity and to help address global challenges.
The initiative focuses on applying AI in sectors such as healthcare, education, environmental protection, agriculture and social development. It also seeks to strengthen cooperation among governments, the private sector, researchers and other stakeholders.
The International AI for Good Commission provides a platform for discussing the opportunities and challenges associated with AI and offering recommendations on how the technology can be developed and used in an inclusive, safe and beneficial manner.
