Paradigm Initiative pushes African AI priorities at WSIS and UN AI Dialogue side events

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) says it will take part in two events in Geneva between July 6 and 10, 2026. One is the 2026 WSIS Forum, part of the World Summit on the Information Society process; the other is the inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance, set for July 6 and 7. According to the organization, the ITU hosts the WSIS Forum at its headquarters and at Palexpo, as part of a UN process on digital governance and cooperation aimed at people-centered, inclusive, development-oriented information societies.

PIN says it will use the Global Dialogue to present priorities from Africa and the wider Global South on how AI is designed, deployed and governed. The work falls under its project on inclusive, human rights-respecting digital technology governance, and follows earlier submissions on multistakeholder participation and on protecting human rights. PIN also notes that it took part in the WSIS+20 process, making several submissions that fed into the outcome document of December 2025.

At the WSIS Forum, PIN plans to highlight priorities for digital rights and digital inclusion, describe the extent of the digital divide, and set out concrete steps for the Global South to put WSIS outcomes into practice. It also intends to talk with African governments about their priorities, tackle connectivity and inclusion gaps, and offer recommendations for rights-respecting AI governance.

Two staff members will represent the organization: Thobekile Matimbe, Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements, and Bridgette Ndlovu, Partnerships and Engagements Officer. On the margins of the Global Dialogue, PIN is working with the Global Digital Rights Coalition to host a side event where governments can discuss their priorities.