Ambassador Philip Thigo has been honoured by Apolitical’s 2025 list of global leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) governance and regulation.
This recognition highlights his significant contributions to crafting policies that ensure AI technologies remain safe, secure, inclusive, and trustworthy. His efforts have established a global benchmark for how governments can leverage AI to enhance public services, uphold societal values, and serve the public good.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to Apolitical for the recognition in the Government AI 100 2025 list. To be included alongside such extraordinary leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence is both an honour and a reminder of the shared responsibility we have in this field,” Thigo shared reflecting on this achievement.
A defining milestone in Thigo’s career came in March 2024, when he partnered with Kenya’s Mission in New York to lead a high-level digital governance workshop. Co-organized with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the U.S. Department of State, this event resulted in the adoption of the United Nations AI Resolution, “Seizing the Opportunities of Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Systems for Sustainable Development.”
READ ALSO: Kenya Unveils AI Governance Playbook to Elevate International Diplomacy
The resolution established international standards emphasizing safety, security, and public trust—principles central to Thigo’s advocacy. During a panel discussion in San Francisco at the resolution’s launch in November 2024, Thigo highlighted the need for robust international frameworks to address AI’s complexities.
“AI possesses immense potential, but its safe and responsible application necessitates a robust international framework. This network will facilitate the resolution of critical challenges, promote knowledge sharing, and prevent fragmented governance that could impede innovation,” Thigo remarked.
Thigo’s commitment to inclusive AI governance was further evident at the 2024 G7 Ministerial Meeting on AI. Alongside fellow leader Tonee Ndungu, he championed collaboration between African nations and global AI powers. They urged the creation of a global AI ecosystem that recognizes Africa as both a consumer and a producer of technology, ensuring the continent’s voices are integral to shaping AI’s future.
In 2023, the UN Secretary-General appointed Thigo to the High-Level Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence, making him one of only six Africans in the group. His contributions to the “Governing AI for Humanity” report laid foundational principles for the Global Digital Compact, emphasizing inclusive governance to advance sustainable development and human rights.
This report, published during the 2023 UN General Assembly, underscored the importance of equitable participation in AI discourse—a vision that aligns with Thigo’s lifelong mission.
Thigo has also ensured Kenya’s prominence in AI governance. Under his leadership, Kenya became the sole African nation among the founding partners of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes, positioning the country as a leader in global AI safety discussions.
Domestically, Thigo has been instrumental in developing Kenya’s national AI strategy, aligning the nation’s policies with international standards while addressing local challenges. His efforts include the ICT Sector Review on Data Governance and Emerging Technologies and Kenya’s first AI Strategy, aimed at leveraging AI for economic growth and transforming public services.
Beyond policy formulation, Thigo spearheaded Kenya’s inaugural Diplomat’s Playbook—a comprehensive guide for engaging with emerging technologies, including AI, in international diplomacy. This resource ensures Kenya’s diplomatic missions are well-equipped to navigate global policy discussions and trade negotiations involving AI.
Ambassador Philip Thigo’s work continues to shape the global conversation on AI governance. His inclusion on Apolitical’s 2025 list celebrates not just his contributions to the field but also his enduring vision of a future where AI is secure, inclusive, and serves the common good.
