South Africa is taking its place at the centre of one of the most important global conversations of our time — the future of artificial intelligence. A leading local expert, Professor Vukosi Marivate from the University of Pretoria, has been appointed to a prestigious new scientific panel established by the United Nations to guide how the world governs AI. The 40-member panel, created by the United Nations General Assembly earlier this year, brings together top global experts to assess the risks, opportunities and societal impact of artificial intelligence. Marivate’s appointment not only places South Africa firmly on the global AI map, but also ensures that African perspectives — including the development of technology for African languages and contexts — are part of shaping how this powerful technology will be regulated and used worldwide.