Full Breakdown
Kenya and Vietnam Leverage UNGA 81 to Advance AI Governance and Multilateral Cooperation
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Kenya and Vietnam Present Technology and Multilateral Agendas at UNGA 81
At the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, Kenya’s President William Ruto will advance an agenda that emphasizes artificial-intelligence (AI) governance, digital resilience and climate-focused AI applications. Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam will deliver a keynote underscoring the country’s commitment to multilateralism, climate action and responsible development of emerging technologies.
Background & Context
Kenya’s technology push builds on recent diplomatic initiatives. Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, outlined an agenda that links AI governance with investment, national capability and public value, reflecting Kenya’s desire to become a “digital nation.”
Vietnam’s participation follows its long-standing UN engagement since 1977, including two terms as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted rapid scientific and technological development, particularly AI.
Key Initiatives & Partnerships
- Coalition for Children’s Rights in the Age of AI: Kenya will join France, Spain and Australia to protect minors from AI-related harms.
- Regional AI Center of Excellence: Kenya plans a joint AI and cybersecurity hub with Cisco and the Ministry of Defence.
- Internet Governance Forum (IGF): Kenya will host the IGF in Nairobi in December to discuss AI governance.
- Vietnam’s Multilateral Roles: Vietnam holds the presidency of the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and has secured a Vietnamese judge on the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (2026-2035).
- International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development: The UN resolution designating 2027-2036 as the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development was co-sponsored by Vietnam and 102 other countries.
Official Statements & Responses
- Climate resilience will be a core component, with AI and climate data used for early-warning systems ahead of the 2026-2027 El Niño.
Why It Matters
Kenya’s focus on AI governance positions it as a “middle power” in shaping global standards, influencing investment flows and capacity-building across Africa. Vietnam’s emphasis on multilateralism and its roles in nuclear non-proliferation and maritime law reinforce its diplomatic weight and illustrate how developing economies are seeking agency in technology policy at a pivotal UN session.
What’s Next
- Kenya: After UNGA 81, Kenya will host the Internet Governance Forum in Nairobi in December, providing a venue for further AI-governance discussion.
- Vietnam: The delegation’s September 20-25 trip includes bilateral meetings in the United States and a state visit to Canada, aimed at deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the United States and strengthening Vietnam-Canada ties.