LocationsUNDP and UNESWA Sign MOU on Using AI in Research for Development
October 9, 2024
UNESWA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Justice Thwala, and UNDP Resident Representative, Henrik Franklin, after signing the MOU
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on research and the development of innovative solutions in sustainable development. Under this MOU, both organizations will work together to train UNESWA students in conducting advanced research utilizing AI and machine learning theories. The partnership also aims to test learning tools that support evidence-based programming and promote data-driven decision-making.
Through this MOU, UNDP and UNESWA also agreed to collaborate in co-hosting events, such as conferences, dialogues, workshops, and hackathons. These events will focus on critical issues, including the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of development and gender and social inclusion.
The signing of the MOU marks the culmination of efforts to establish a partnership between the UNESWA Faculty of Social Science and UNDP's Accelerator Lab – an innovative branch of the UN agency funded by the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany. The Lab works with national and global partners to develop radically new approaches to the complexity of today's development challenges. The UNDP Eswatini Accelerator Lab is one of 60 Labs serving 78 countries. This partnership aims to uncover hidden patterns, predict trends, and provide actionable insights for policy-making and socioeconomic development programs under UNDP's new offering for the kingdom, the Country Programme Document (CPD).
UNDP Resident Representative, Henrik Franklin (right) signs MOU with UNESWA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Justice Thwala.
UNDP Resident Representative Mr Henrik Franklin and UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala signed the MOU for the two organizations. The signing ceremony, held at UNESWA Kwaluseni Campus, was also attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr. Musa Shongwe, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Henry Gadaga and the Head of Department for Statistics and Demography, Dr Maswati Simelane.
At the event, Franklin said UNDP is committed to implementing innovation, such as ethical machine learning tools and AI, to enhance development intelligence for programming. This will enable us 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 handed over teaching material worth about E74 000 to the department, which will be used for students' research under this partnership.
UNDP Resident Representative, Henrik Franklin, poses with UNESWA Vice-Chancellor and academic staff.
Speaking at the same event, Prof. Thwala said the MOU represents a pivotal moment in our collaboration. It lays the groundwork for a partnership focused on leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning for sustainable development. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with the missions of the University of Eswatini and UNDP.
“UNDP's commitment to promoting sustainable development through innovative solutions complements our mission to provide high-quality education and foster innovation through advanced technologies in our curriculum and research activities. “The Faculty of Social Sciences at our university possesses the unique expertise in AI, primarily predictive artificial intelligence, in particular the Department of Statistics and Demography, which is at the forefront of this collaboration,” he said.