By Bimbola Oyesola
Director-general, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (middle); head of School of Arts and Creative Technologies, University of Bolton, Sam Johnson (left); Reader and Research Coordinator, Dr. Celestine Iwendi (2nd left); WTO DG’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Bright Okobi (right); and former Student Union president and doctoral student, University of Bolton, Boluwatife Oyesola (2nd right), during the visit of the University of Bolton’s team to the DG in Geneva, Switzerland, last week Thursday.
The University of Bolton in Greater Manchester has sought ways of collaborating with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, in the development and application of the artificial intelligence (AI) for the advancement of the two institutions.
The team of representatives of the varsity, led by the head of School of Arts and Creative Technologies, Sam Johnson, and Reader and Research Coordinator, Dr. Celestine Iwendi, who visited the WTO Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Thursday in Geneva, outlined the university’s visionary approach to AI development and proposed collaboration opportunities with the WTO.
The team representing the University interests on behalf of the University Group’s President and Vice Chancellor, Professor George Holmes felt honoured to be received by the WTO Director General.
Iwendi, who is the Head of the newly established Centre of Intelligence of Things, described a number of ground-breaking STEM initiatives at the University including the state-of-the-art School of Medicine due to open in Autumn 2024.
Sam Johnson foregrounded Bolton’s interdisciplinary, consortium-based approach to AI development designed to enable cross-faculty collaborations to flourish.
The WTO Director General had earlier envisioned a new frontier for the WTO, with a dedicated focus on data and AI.
Joined by her Chief of Staff, Dr. Bright Okogu, the discussions had delved into the profound impact of AI on global trade.
The Bolton team however saw an opportunity to shape this vision, highlighting the pivotal role their new Centre could play in shaping WTO policies on AI and trade.
Emmanuella Ganne, who leads AI and trade development at the WTO, also joined the conversation on how the collaboration between the two bodies could work to advance global trade.
It was agreed that there is real potential for the organisation to collaborate with the University of Bolton who are well-positioned to provide dedicated AI staff training in the form of tailored courses and to undertake collaborative knowledge exchange and applied research with WTO.
“This intersection of academic and world-class industry expertise certainly promises to pave the way for an exciting partnership between the University and the WTO”, said Sam Johnson, University team lead.
Boluwatife Oyesola, from the Greater Manchester Business School and representing the vibrant student body, emphasised the University’s commitment to equipping students from all academic disciplines for the AI-driven future.
The team spoke passionately about the diverse community and the integration of AI across various disciplines, igniting further interest from the WTO.
Meanwhile, the team had visited Geneva on behalf of the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor George E Holmes DL to extend a formal invitation to WTO Director General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to grace the prestigious 2024 Graduation ceremony of the university holding in July.
Dr. Ngozi, adorned with grace and warmth, reminiscing fondly about her past experiences in Manchester in the United Kingdom accepted the invitation with genuine gratitude, expressing her delight at the prospect of joining the celebration.
The team from the university of Bolton commended the WTO DG and left with an assurance that their journey had forged new pathways towards a future where AI and trade intersected to create a true global horizon.