Prof. J. J. Kponyo Represents KNUST at Global ITU Dialogue on Emerging Technologies in Geneva
A senior academic from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Professor Jerry John Kponyo, has participated in a high-level International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Member States Meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, where key global stakeholders deliberated on the future of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Professor Kponyo, a lecturer in the Department of Telecommunication Engineering, attended the meeting in his role as a member of the ITU’s Academic Advisory Body on Emerging Technologies. He currently serves as the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Thematic Group Lead, a position that places him at the centre of global conversations on the direction and impact of advanced technologies.
The ITU Member States Meeting brought together representatives of United Nations Member States, policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and academics to examine strategic responses to rapid technological advancements and their implications for society.
As part of his responsibilities, Professor Kponyo led discussions on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, including emerging pathways toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI). A major focus of the deliberations was the growing energy demand associated with AI systems and the need to design artificial intelligence solutions that are environmentally sustainable.
Participants explored ways to improve computational efficiency, emphasizing the importance of achieving greater technological impact with reduced energy consumption. The discussions also considered alternative computational approaches that could support future AI development while significantly minimizing environmental and climate-related effects.
Highlighting the significance of the meeting, the Secretary-General of the ITU, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, noted that decisions taken at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference would play a critical role in shaping how the Union responds to unprecedented technological change and increasing global demands.
She underscored the importance of coordinated international action and praised the role of the ITU’s Academic Advisory Body in providing long-term, forward-looking perspectives. According to her, convening leading academic thinkers is essential for strengthening thought leadership and guiding how emerging technologies may shape the future of humanity.
Professor Kponyo’s participation underscores KNUST’s growing presence in global technology policy and research discussions, reinforcing the University’s commitment to contributing academic expertise to international decision-making on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.