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Catholic Conference in Ghana to Explore AI Use in Mitigating Climate Change Effects

Credit: Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Silas Isenjia

By Silas Isenjia

Accra, 15 March, 2024 / 8:31 pm (ACI Africa).

Participants at a planned 12th Information and Communications Technology for Development (12th ICT4D) Conference that the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has organized are set to explore ways in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help in mitigating effects of climate change.

In a Tuesday, March 12 statement, the humanitarian arm of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) says the conference that is set for the 19th and 20th of this month will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities on various topics, “including interactive sessions on some of the most current topics including harnessing AI to mitigate the effects of climate change.”

CRS says that at the conference, using the latest technologies like generative AI and chatbots for social good will be explored as the agenda of the event “aims to foster thought-provoking discussions and hands-on training.”

More than 600 senior practitioners from public, private, and civil society organizations will attend the function the ICT4D Conference that CRS founded in 2010 “to share how they are applying digital innovations to increase the impact of development and humanitarian programs.”

Apart from CRS,  eGov Foundation, MercyCorps, MERLTech, Public Digital, Digital Impact Alliance, and SOS Children’s Villages are some of the organizers of the event.

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Since its inception, the event has grown into a global event with annual conferences in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The conference, according to information on the ICT4D website, explores how Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D), and data innovations are making a measurable difference in millions of peoples’ lives and increases the impact of humanitarian relief, development, and conservation projects.

Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digitalization has welcomed the conference in the West African nation, saying, “Ghana is proud to host the 12th ICT4D Conference, which aligns with our vision of becoming a digital hub in Africa.”

“We are committed to supporting the use of ICT for development and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Ursula Owusu-Ekuful is quoted as saying in the statement.

Mrs. Ekuful adds, “We look forward to welcoming the global ICT4D community to Accra and showcasing our achievements and opportunities in the digital space.”

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The CRS’ Director of ICT4D and lead organizer of the conference says, “Although this is the 12th ICT4D conference, this gathering and collaboration is more urgent than ever.”

“While our current global challenges must primarily be addressed with human compassion and ingenuity, without the effective and responsible use of digital technologies, we will fail to reach the SDGs,” Nora Lindstrom says.

Ms. Lindstrom adds, “We are faced with an opportunity to build sustainable, locally-owned foundations for digital transformation for long-term in impact – it behooves us to take this opportunity and work together to transform lives.”

Silas Isenjia

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.

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