Bangkok, Thailand— Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, delivered a keynote address at the AI4SocialProtection Conference, held from November 19-21, 2024. The event, themed “Overcoming Challenges and Creating Opportunities,” gathered over a hundred key stakeholders, including policymakers, technical experts, and solution providers, to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into social protection systems.
In his address, Minister Swaray emphasized AI’s transformative potential in addressing significant socioeconomic challenges, such as poverty alleviation and healthcare access. He reiterated the urgent need to leverage AI for societal benefit, stating, “The time to act is now.” His focus on public service innovation highlighted the critical role of leaders in implementing effective solutions for vulnerable populations.
Swaray outlined how AI can streamline enrollment processes, enhance data analytics, and provide predictive insights to better navigate economic fluctuations. Under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone has made significant strides in social protection, as demonstrated by initiatives like the National Social Protection Strategy for 2022 to 2026 and the Social Safety Net Programme, which aims to deliver regular cash transfers to those in need.
He discussed three foundational principles for incorporating AI into social protection frameworks: vision, inclusivity, and responsibility. Swaray emphasized the importance of a clear and actionable strategy for AI implementation, ensuring accessibility for marginalized communities. He also stressed establishing ethical guidelines to foster public trust in AI applications.
The AI4SocialProtection Secretariat welcomed Minister Swaray’s participation, recognizing his insights as a valuable contribution to the discussions on the future of AI in social welfare. His keynote address, which lasted between ten and fifteen minutes, aimed to inspire collaborative efforts to harness AI for the greater good.
The conference provided a platform for participants to share insights, explore innovative approaches, and strategize on using AI to enhance social protection systems. It featured discussions on digital social protection use cases, enablers, and the ethical implications of AI adoption. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, the event sought to lay the groundwork for leveraging AI to improve social protection outcomes.
With an attendance of around 100 participants, the conference facilitated effective interaction and discussion, fostering a focused environment for collaborative problem-solving among leaders in the field.
