Colleagues, distinguished delegates and partners, Good morning.

It is my privilege to welcome you to this important meeting of the G20 Task Force on AI, Data Governance and Sustainable Development.

This Task Force is one of the cornerstones of South Africa’s G20 Presidency. It represents our shared recognition that Artificial Intelligence is not simply another technological trend. It is a profound transformative force shaping how we live, work and engage with the world.

The establishment of this Task Force reflects the priority that the South African Presidency, and indeed most countries across the G20, attach to Artificial Intelligence, data governance and innovation as key enablers of sustainable and inclusive development.

Across the world, AI is unlocking new opportunities for growth, innovation and social progress. Generative, interactive and multimodal AI platforms are helping societies solve complex problems.

They are improving the efficiency of our health systems, strengthening agricultural resilience, expanding access to education and helping governments deliver public services more effectively. They also offer the potential to drive new forms of creativity, improve decision- making and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Yet as these technologies become more embedded in daily life, they also bring new responsibilities. The speed and scale of AI adoption remind us that innovation without ethical guardrails can deepen inequality, amplify bias and erode trust.

We are already witnessing challenges related to data privacy, discrimination, misinformation and unequal access. These realities highlight the urgent need for effective governance frameworks and shared principles to ensure that AI works in the service of all humanity.

This is precisely why the issues before us today are so important.

The Declaration that informs our discussions captures the spirit of cooperation and shared purpose that must define our collective response. It reminds us that global dialogue on AI must be matched by practical action, capacity building and resource mobilisation, particularly for developing economies.

Across the international system, there is a shift from broad declarations to concrete implementation. The adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolutions 78/265 and 78/311, together with the Global Digital Compact, has created a stronger foundation for safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems that are fair, transparent and accountable.

These instruments call for enhanced international cooperation, capacity building and knowledge sharing, and they align closely with the work of this Task Force.

The G20 has long been at the forefront of this global conversation. Under Japan’s Presidency, members adopted the Principles for the Responsible Stewardship of Trustworthy AI, establishing a global benchmark.

India advanced this agenda through its focus on Harnessing AI Responsibly for Good and for All, while Brazil helped translate principles into practice through the UNESCO-supported AI for Good framework and the AI Readiness and Capacity Assessment Toolkit.

South Africa now builds upon these achievements, grounding our Presidency in Africa’s development priorities and a vision of shared prosperity.

Many countries are actively engaging on these questions. France and Rwanda recently convened global forums to examine the opportunities and risks of AI.

The Brazilian G20 Presidency placed AI at the centre of its digital agenda. Next year, India will host the AI for Impact Summit, continuing this global momentum.

Here at home, South Africa will host the AI for Good Impact Africa Summit in Johannesburg on 31 October. This gathering will bring together governments, researchers, innovators and civil society to advance Africa’s AI ecosystem and ensure the continent has a strong voice in global discussions.

Colleagues, the Declaration identifies key themes that will guide our collective work. These include:
First, the recognition that data governance is foundational to equitable and trustworthy AI. Data is the fuel that powers AI. Ensuring that it is collected, managed and shared responsibly is central to building systems that are ethical, inclusive and sustainable.

Second, the importance of AI in the public sector. AI offers governments an opportunity to strengthen service delivery, improve efficiency and design policies that are responsive to people’s needs. But it must always operate in accordance with the rule of law, respect for human rights, and the principles of transparency and accountability.

Third, we affirm the need to strengthen scientific research and development in AI, through international cooperation, shared datasets, open science and accessible computing infrastructure. No single country can meet these challenges alone. Partnerships are essential to unlock innovation and bridge capability gaps.

Fourth, the need to safeguard the integrity of information. The rise of deepfakes and synthetic media threatens public trust and information accuracy. Promoting digital literacy, watermarking and labelling of AI-generated content, and enhancing public awareness are vital to ensure that societies remain informed and resilient.

Fifth, a commitment to multilingual and multicultural representation in AI systems. AI must reflect the diversity of our languages, cultures and traditions. Building high-quality datasets in indigenous and local languages ensures that technology works for everyone, respects traditional knowledge and promotes inclusive innovation.

Sixth, a strong focus on the AI for Africa Initiative, which acknowledges the continent’s potential to harness AI for industrialisation, women’s empowerment and inclusive growth. By expanding access to computing power, developing local talent, building representative datasets and investing in infrastructure, we can accelerate Africa’s digital transformation and support the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Finally, the Technology Policy Assistance Facility established under our Presidency, in partnership with UNESCO, will help countries shape AI policies that align with human rights and the public interest. It is a tangible expression of our commitment to move from reflection to action.

All of these priorities remind us that Artificial Intelligence cannot be divorced from the broader challenge of the digital divide. Today, nearly one third of humanity, approximately 2.9 billion people, remain offline. If AI is to become a true catalyst for inclusive development, connectivity, affordability and access must form part of our shared agenda.

Colleagues, through this Task Force, the G20 has a unique opportunity to chart a path towards accessible, ethical and resource-efficient AI systems that are environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.

Our goal is clear: to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is a force for good, driving equitable growth, deepening innovation and strengthening the bond between technology and humanity. Let us work together to shape a future where no country is left behind, where technology uplifts every person, and where the promise of AI translates into a lived reality of opportunity, dignity and progress for all.
I thank you and I look forward to our discussions.
ENDS

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Ministry Spokesperson : Mr Kwena Moloto
Cell : 083 269 3189
Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
URL : www.dcdt.gov.za
Facebook: Department of Communications & Digital Technologies
X : @CommsZA

Issued by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies

Download Document here: Minister Malatsi Opens G20 AI Task Force at the Cape Town International Convention Centre