UN Tech Envoy Amandeep Gill visits South Africa to deepen collaboration on digital governance

In April 2025, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, Amandeep Singh Gill, visited South Africa to strengthen partnerships on digital cooperation and inclusive technology development. The visit, marked by strategic engagements, reflects the UN’s commitment to ensuring that digital transformation supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly across the Global South. Mr. Gill acknowledged South Africa’s leadership in shaping inclusive digital policy and emphasized the importance of involving African institutions in global conversations on AI governance and emerging technologies. This aligns with his broader mandate to promote responsible, rights-based approaches to technology development worldwide.

A key highlight of the visit was a dialogue hosted by the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where Mr. Gill and a high-level delegation from the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies met with UJ Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi and senior academic leaders. Discussions focused on research collaboration, ethical artificial intelligence, and skills development to prepare African societies for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. key delegates at the event included Tobi Kasali (Senior Analyst from ODET), His Excellency Nelson Muffuh, UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Kefiloe Masiteng, Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office bin South Africa and UJ Chancellor Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka the former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women.

The Under-Secretary-General and Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, who leads global efforts on digital and emerging technologies at the UN, engaged with UJ leadership, academics, and students to discuss ethical AI, digital inclusion, and research collaboration. The visit highlighted the importance of Africa’s voice in shaping global technology governance and the need to invest in skills and innovation for a more inclusive digital future.

“Our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind as the world embraces digital transformation,” said Mr. Gill during the dialogue. The visit aligns with the UN’s commitment to supporting sustainable, rights-based technology development that empowers communities and accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UJ Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi reaffirmed the university’s dedication to building global partnerships that foster impactful research and capacity-building in the digital space.

The visit underscored the UN’s goal to bridge digital divides, foster innovation, and ensure that technological progress benefits all — especially underserved communities.

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