Growing up in rural South Africa, Tshilidzi Marwala first learned about engineering from his grandmother’s handmade clay pots. Now rector of the United Nations University, the Under-Secretary-General is a vocal advocate of using artificial intelligence (AI) for good.
“I would not trust AI. You are not supposed to trust AI. You are supposed to use it, always doubt it, always verify what it tells you, cross validate, so that you can be able to use it responsibly.”
Education has been a driving force throughout Tshilidzi Marwala’s life, alongside the seismic transitions he has witnessed in his native country and around the world. “We [returned to South Africa just after the end of apartheid] and then we realized that freedom is beautiful… Democracy is a beautiful concept, but it’s a very difficult journey. It’s not an overnight thing.”
With a doctorate in neural networks among his many academic achievements, the UNU rector is familiar with the architecture behind the current rapid developments in AI. In this episode, he reflects on the intersection of political freedom, education and technology, and shares why digital literacy is among the most important skills of our age.
[00:00] Introduction
[00:33] Growing up in apartheid-era Venda
[04:15] Lessons from his grandmother
[13:11] From rural life to the National Science Olympiad
[18:44] New cultural exposure and freedoms
[23:07] South Africa’s democratic transition
[24:47] Cambridge and discovering AI
[29:43] Future of accessible education through AI
[33:17] AI for development and public good
[35:50] What keeps Tshilidzi awake at night
[39:47] Technology versus human behavior
[41:30] Leading the United Nations University
[42:46] Life in Tokyo, family, and music
[45:03] Closing remarks
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About Awake at Night
Hosted by Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, the podcast ‘Awake at Night’ is an in-depth interview series focusing on remarkable United Nations staff members who dedicate their career to helping people in parts of the world where they have the hardest lives – from war zones and displacement camps to areas hit by disasters and the devastation of climate change.
Briefing by Indrika Ratwatte, Acting Assistant-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator (OCHA), on the situation in Ukraine.
Briefing by Kayoko Gotoh, Director for Europe and Central Asia, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, on the situation in Ukraine.
Deputy Spokesman for Secretary-general António Guterres.
Highlights:
– Secretary-general/Cyprus
– Secretary-general/Syria
– West Bank
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Lebanon
– Security Council
– Sudan
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Rwanda
– League of Arab States
– UN Refugee Agency/Goodwill Ambassador
SECRETARY-GENERAL/CYPRUS
The Secretary-General is currently on his way to Cyprus, where he will meet with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, as well as other stakeholders. He will discuss efforts to advance the peace process and support stability on the island, including through the work of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
The Secretary-General is expected to return to New York on Wednesday.
SECRETARY-GENERAL/SYRIA
Earlier today, before departing for Cyprus, the Secretary-General met in Amman with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi. They discussed regional developments.
The Secretary-General had spent the previous two days in Syria. Before departing Syria, the Secretary-General held a press conference, during which he welcomed recent steps to ease sanctions on Syria and create new opportunities for economic recovery. He stressed, however, that all remaining sanctions should be lifted without delay and emphasized that Syria’s recovery will also require sustained political support, economic engagement and practical assistance from the international community.
During his meetings with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani and other officials, the Secretary-General welcomed the progress achieved in Syria’s political transition and underscored the importance of sustaining this momentum through inclusive participation, with a view to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Syria for all Syrians. He reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to support the Syrian people and work in close partnership with the Syrian authorities during this important period of transition.
In Damascus, the Secretary-General met with women’s organizations, civil society representatives and members of Syria’s diverse communities. He also met with representatives of the National Transitional Justice Commission, the Missing Persons Commission, the Women’s Peace and Security Commission, the Electoral Commission and the Speaker of Parliament.
In all his meetings, the Secretary-General reaffirmed that we stand ready to assist all efforts to promote accountability, transitional justice, human rights and reconciliation; build confidence among communities; and ensure the meaningful participation of all Syrians: women and men, young people, and all components of Syria’s remarkable and diverse society.
On Saturday, the Secretary-General visited Sednaya Prison. He said that the site stands as a stark reminder of the horrendous oppression under the previous Syrian regime.
Although the Secretary-General had planned to visit the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), scheduling constraints prevented that visit from taking place. Instead, he met in Damascus with the UNDOF Force Commander, Major General Anita Asmah, as well as the Governor of Quneitra and representatives of local communities.
WEST BANK
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the recent announcement by the Israeli authorities of a series of measures in response to recent attacks, including reports of an accelerated process to legalize farm outposts and establish new ones in the occupied West Bank.
The Secretary-General reiterates that all settlements, including outposts, have no legal validity and constitute a flagrant violation of international law. Such settlements remain a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed their deep alarm concerning the escalation of violence across the West Bank in recent days.
Since Thursday, at least eight Palestinians – including one child – as well as two Israelis have been killed. Many others have been injured.
Homes, mosques, trees and agriculture structures have been set on fire or otherwise vandalized and, in some cases, destroyed. At least 10 Palestinian families have been displaced in the course of the latest violence.
In parallel, Israeli forces have tightened their restrictions on Palestinian movements and access across many areas of the West Bank, preventing thousands of people from reaching essential services, such as emergency medical care and the sources of their livelihoods.
Since the beginning of this year, OCHA has documented more than 1,330 incidents involving Israeli settlers that resulted in casualties, property damage or both.
Football is more than a game—it has the power to inspire, connect and transform lives. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup Final, the United Nations Youth Office convened One World, One Game, One Goal, bringing together young leaders, athletes and partners to explore how the world’s most popular sport can support youth mental health, challenge stigma and build stronger, more inclusive communities. Discover the conversations, ideas and stories that show how football can be a force for positive change on and off the field.
As the world came together for the FIFA World Cup Final, the United Nations Youth Office hosted One World, One Game, One Goal, bringing together young leaders, athletes and partners to celebrate the power of football beyond the pitch. The event highlighted how sport can promote youth mental health, break down stigma, foster inclusion and strengthen communities around the world.
Through inspiring conversations and shared experiences, participants explored how football can unite people, empower young voices and drive positive social change.
The Security Council met to discuss the escalating conflict in Ukraine following intensified Russian attacks. UN officials warned that more than 170 civilians have reportedly been killed and over 1,000 injured since the Council’s last briefing on 9 July, urging all parties to protect civilians, uphold international law and resume dialogue toward an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire.
