By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The Director General of
Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA), Mustafa Yaasin Sheik, has
joined the AI Diplomacy Council of the Tech Diplomacy Global Institute for the
2027–2028 mandate, bringing his telecommunications, artificial intelligence and
cybersecurity regulatory experience to the global dialogue on AI and diplomacy.
The Tech Diplomacy Global
Institute announced his appointment, welcoming him to the council, which brings
together international experts from government, industry, academia and civil
society to provide foresight on artificial intelligence and its implications
for diplomacy and international cooperation.
Mr. Sheik also confirmed his
appointment, expressing his enthusiasm about contributing to the global
conversation on artificial intelligence and diplomacy.
Since November 2022, he has
led Somalia’s National Communications Authority, which regulates
telecommunications, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in the country.
He has also represented
Somalia in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) processes, including the
International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience.
Before his appointment as
Director General of the NCA, Mr. Sheik served as Executive Director of the
Somalia Network Information Centre, the registry operator for Somalia’s .so
internet domain.
His appointment to the AI
Diplomacy Council comes as artificial intelligence increasingly features in
discussions on international relations, technology governance and cross-border
cooperation.
The council is expected to
draw on the expertise of its members to provide insights into emerging AI
developments and their implications for global diplomacy and international
cooperation.
