Ethiopian Upper House Speaker advocates for legislative measures to safeguard technology use
Addis Ababa, October 15, 2024 (FBC) – The Chief Speaker of the FDRE House of Federation (HoF), Mr. Agegnehu Teshager emphasized that advancements in science and technology offer significant opportunities to bridge socio-economic gaps, urging MPs to leverage legislative mandates for safe technology use, including data protection and cybersecurity through dedicated sub-committees.
The Ethiopian Upper House Speaker made this remark while addressing the 14th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva on Monday.
The 149th Assembly & Related Meetings has brought together all IPU statutory bodies, including the Governing Council, Standing Committees, Committees on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and on Middle East Questions, as well as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Young MPs.
The General Debate is focused on the overall theme “Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for a more Peaceful and Sustainable Future” which provides a platform for delegates to deliberate, exchange views and galvanize parliamentary action.
The Assembly is set to adopt resolutions on the emergency item and on the subject item taken up by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights entitled The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The Assembly is expected to conclude with the adoption of an outcome document on the overall theme of the General Debate.
In his remarks, Mr. Agegnehu stated that the Assembly came at the time of sweeping revolution in science and technology which carries huge promises. Currently, the fast-moving transformation in science and technology are out-pacing the existing rules and regulation nationally and internationally.
Concurrently, technological innovations are becoming complex and unpredictable with less oversight and control. As a result, AI-led revolution urgently requires meaningful engagement among parliamentarians from across the world because it requires effective governance at all levels.
In light of these changes, Agegnehu said his government believes that the Assembly’s theme “Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for a more Peaceful and Sustainable Future” is a timely and fitting agenda.
To this end, the Ethiopian speaker noted that his government further believes parliaments and parliamentarians across the world have an enormous responsibility in establishing the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern new innovations and technologies. More importantly, as a major global issue, it is imperative that states put their actions together to better address the challenges and harness the benefits of technological development.
In that regard, IPU’s charter on ethics of science and technology is set in the right direction and offers a roadmap for ethically utilizing technologies to advance socio-economic development while minimizing the changes that may arise from lack of regulatory oversight, the Ethiopian Speaker pointed out.
In addition, the recent adoption of a Pact for the Future at the 79th ordinary session of the UN General Assembly that includes global digital compact to reinvigorate multilateralism and address the 21st century challenges is also a notable progress, the Ethiopia’s Upper House Speaker stated.
He elaborated that Ethiopia strongly believes that IPU should support parliaments across the world to adopt relevant legislations and undertake oversight of the executive function.
The government of Ethiopia has been undertaking ambitious initiatives to increase the effective use of science and technology for social and economic development. The Digital Ethiopia Strategy 2025 strategy for inclusive prosperity is a landmark policy document that aims to harness technology to drive economic progress and improve public service in the country, Agegnehu asserted.
The plan aligns with the 2019 Homegrown Economic Reform agenda which broadly outlines strategies aimed at incorporating digitalization into a sustainable development framework.
Ethiopia’s National ID program initiative also aims to enroll 70 million citizens by 2025, enhancing access to services and supporting national development. Furthermore, the country has also recently adopted a national artificial intelligence policy framework, marking a significant step forward in Ethiopia’s aspiration to leverage AI innovation in driving socio-economic progress and strengthen technological capabilities.
However, Agegnehu admitted that lack of adequate digital infrastructure and addressing the capacity gap remains a major challenge.
As the technology rapidly evolves, it is important to strengthen cooperation and partnership in lines with the foundation for digital transformation and innovation.
He mentioned that Ethiopia believes advancement in science and technology offers unparalleled opportunities to bridge the gap in socio-economic development between the developing and developed nations. Hence, it is imperative that MPs effectively leverage their legislative mandates to ensure safe use of technologies, including data protection and cybersecurity through dedicated sub-committees.
It is also critical to strengthen parliamentary cooperation in capacity building and experience sharing.