Mbabane, Eswatini – October 9, 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) have joined forces to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving sustainable development. The two organizations have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see them collaborate on research, training, and the development of innovative solutions.
Under the MOU, UNDP and UNESWA will jointly train UNESWA students in advanced research methods utilizing AI and machine learning theories. The partnership also aims to test and implement learning tools that support evidence-based programming and promote data-driven decision-making.
The collaboration extends beyond research and training, as UNDP and UNESWA have agreed to co-host events such as conferences, dialogues, workshops, and hackathons. These events will focus on critical development issues, including social, economic, and environmental dimensions, as well as gender and social inclusion.
The signing of the MOU marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the UNESWA Faculty of Social Science and UNDP’s Accelerator Lab. The Accelerator Lab, a pioneering initiative funded by Qatar and Germany, works with national and global partners to develop innovative approaches to complex development challenges.
UNDP Resident Representative Mr Henrik Franklin and UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala signed the MOU at the UNESWA Kwaluseni Campus. The event was also attended by faculty members and students.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Franklin emphasized UNDP’s commitment to leveraging innovation, including ethical machine learning tools and AI, to enhance development intelligence. He stated that this will enable UNDP to make more informed decisions and create more impactful development initiatives.
“We are advancing evidence-based programming to ensure our policies and development strategies are grounded in robust data analysis,” he said.
Franklin also donated teaching materials worth E74,000 to the Department of Statistics and Demography, which will be used for student research under the partnership.
Professor Thwala, speaking at the event, highlighted the significance of the MOU in strengthening the collaboration between UNESWA and UNDP. He emphasized that the partnership aligns seamlessly with the missions of both organizations, as UNDP’s focus on sustainable development complements UNESWA’s commitment to providing quality education and fostering innovation.
“The Faculty of Social Sciences at our university possesses unique expertise in AI, particularly predictive artificial intelligence, making it well-suited to lead this collaboration,” he said.
