AIGN Regional Leadership
Driving Responsible AI – Across Continents
In a world rapidly shaped by artificial intelligence, AIGN’s Regional Leadership plays a vital role in making ethical and governance-driven AI a reality on every continent. Our regional leads are not only ambassadors of responsible innovation but also catalysts for local ecosystems, uniting experts, governments, academia, and businesses in pursuit of ethical and effective AI.
AIGN Africa
Winston Mariku – Regional Lead Africa
🔗 LinkedIn Profile
AIGN Africa is dedicated to empowering the continent’s diverse AI ecosystems. Under the leadership of Winston Mariku, we are advancing AI solutions that align with local values, promote sustainable growth, and strengthen digital sovereignty.
Key Focus Areas:
✅ Supporting African AI startups and researchers
✅ Building bridges between traditional knowledge systems and cutting-edge technologies
✅ Advocating for ethical AI frameworks tailored to Africa’s development priorities
✅ Collaborating with the African Union and regional institutions on governance models
Winston Mariku brings a strong background in AI strategy, governance, and African innovation. His mission: Ensure that Africa doesn’t just adapt to global AI—but shapes it.
AIGN India
Abdulla Pathan – Regional Lead India
🔗 LinkedIn Profile
India is a rising AI powerhouse, and AIGN India is committed to guiding this growth responsibly. Abdulla Pathan leads the charge to align India’s technological dynamism with ethical, regulatory, and societal needs.
Key Focus Areas:
✅ Bridging India’s vibrant tech sector with global AI ethics discussions
✅ Supporting policy dialogue and practical implementation of AI governance
✅ Promoting responsible AI development for public services, finance, health, and education
✅ Engaging with Indian academia, startups, and the public sector on trust-based AI systems
With a strong legal, strategic, and technical foundation, Abdulla Pathan ensures that AIGN India becomes a cornerstone of global AI responsibility.
AIGN MENA (Middle East & North Africa)
Dr. John V. Francis – Regional Lead MENA
🔗 LinkedIn Profile
The MENA region stands at the forefront of smart government, data-driven economies, and digital innovation. AIGN MENA, led by Dr. John V. Francis, is positioning the region as a leader in AI governance with cultural sensitivity and global impact.
Key Focus Areas:
✅ Promoting trusted AI ecosystems in the Gulf and North Africa
✅ Supporting cross-border regulation and compliance readiness
✅ Developing AI education and leadership programs
✅ Partnering with governments and enterprises to scale ethical AI systems
Dr. John V. Francis combines academic excellence, industry insight, and regulatory know-how. His leadership strengthens the region’s global AI footprint—ethically and strategically.
AIGN South Korea
Timothy Y. Kang – Regional Lead South Korea
South Korea is a global leader in digital transformation, innovation, and technological governance. Under the leadership of Timothy Y. Kang, AIGN South Korea is building a trusted, visible, and values-driven AI governance framework tailored to Korea’s strategic vision and cultural depth.
Key Focus Areas:
✅ Advancing Korea’s leadership in responsible, human-centered AI
✅ Promoting ethical AI certification and readiness in public and private sectors
✅ Building cross-sector alliances across industry, academia, and government
✅ Showcasing Korean innovation in global AI governance discussions
Timothy Y. Kang brings a powerful blend of international experience, public policy insight, and tech-sector expertise. As a seasoned advisor and consultant, he bridges the gap between regulation and innovation—ensuring that Korea’s approach to AI is not only globally competitive but also ethically grounded and future-ready. His leadership ensures AIGN South Korea becomes a key node in the global architecture of responsible AI.
Join Our Global Vision
The AIGN Regional Leads are not just representatives—they are change-makers. Together, we form a global alliance that connects ethics, innovation, and action. From local workshops to global summits, from community training to C-suite advising—AIGN brings responsible AI to life.
Want to collaborate with AIGN Africa, India, or MENA?
Let’s build the future of AI—together. Contact us