PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
New York, 6th May 2026 Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Chola Milambo, has underscored that developing countries must pursue inclusive, equitable Artificial Intelligence (AI) engagement anchored in national priorities.
Dr Milambo delivered remarks at an event organised by Zambia, China and the China Association for Science and Technology held before the commencement of the 11th annual Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals (STI Forum) which begins on 6th May to 7th May 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters. Zambia and China are co-chairs of the Group of Friends (GoF) for AI Capacity-Building.
The Permanent Representative also underscored that developing countries must move beyond the question of whether to engage with AI to how to ensure inclusive and equitable engagement anchored on development priorities.
The Ambassador called for investment in local engineers, technicians, and institutions.
And Vice Minister of Science and technology of China, H.E Mr. Chen Jiachang reaffirmed China’s commitment to moving from consensus to practical cooperation in AI capacity-building, and emphasised inclusive, real-world applications, global leadership in AI talent and innovation, and the widespread use of AI to improve education, accessibility, and everyday life, including AI tutoring in secondary schools and AI-powered diagnostic tools.
The event was also attended by Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies and other academic and technical experts and Member States.
Amid the rapid advancement of AI, the international community underscored the urgent need to bridge the global AI divide and strengthen capacity-building, particularly in developing countries. The event was held under the theme AI Empowering Engineering Capacity Building.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary -Press and Public relations
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations
