Tanzania takes global stage at UN Virtual Worlds Day in Geneva

GENEVA: TANZANIA has elevated its presence in global technology governance after the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Angellah Jasmine Mbelwa Kairuki, led the country’s delegation to the 3rd United Nations Virtual Worlds Day taking place from 11 to 12 May in Geneva, Switzerland.

The participation comes as Tanzania assumes its new role as Vice Chair of the Executive Committee of the Global Initiative on AI and Virtual Worlds, a platform established jointly by the United Nations and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to steer policy dialogue on emerging technologies.

While in Geneva, Minister Kairuki held talks with ITU Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas on strengthening cooperation in areas including emerging-technology governance, cybersecurity, spectrum management, ICT innovation and the development of Digital Public Infrastructure.

She was accompanied by Tanzania’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Ambassador Abdallah Saleh Possi, along with senior officials from her Ministry and the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority.

According to the Ministry, Tanzania’s participation reinforces national efforts to implement the National Digital Economy Strategy, particularly in expanding modern technologies, promoting smart cities and supporting inclusive digital services across the country.

Tanzania has served on the ITU Council for the past four years, benefiting from initiatives such as the GIGA project, which expands connectivity in schools, and the establishment of regional innovation hubs.

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