The 2026 Goalkeepers Champions programme has recognised a group of leaders working to promote more equitable and inclusive applications of artificial intelligence across sectors including technology, agriculture, education, health and policy.
The recognition is part of the Goalkeepers initiative, which brings together leaders and changemakers working towards the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This year’s Champions are being recognised for efforts to ensure AI expands opportunities while addressing the risk of widening existing inequalities.
Among the 2026 Champions is Hon. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. Tijani is recognised as a Nigerian technology leader and AI advocate, with the programme highlighting his work to advance digital transformation and strengthen Africa’s capacity to develop domestic AI solutions.
The Champions also include Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, an Indian computer scientist, Founding Director of BharatGen and professor at IIT Bombay. He is recognised for his work in multilingual AI and efforts to make technology more accessible across languages.
India’s Debjani Ghosh, a technology leader and advocate for human-centric AI, is also among the honourees. The programme highlights her nearly three decades of work around technology, economic development and societal well-being.
Zimbabwean digital policy leader and feminist researcher Chenai Chair has also been named a 2026 Champion. Her recognition focuses on her work around African-language AI, digital rights and the broader social and policy implications of technology.
Other Champions listed by the programme include Swedish biotechnology entrepreneur and AgTech innovator Martin Blomberg, whose work focuses on transforming global food systems.
The 2026 cohort is presented as a group of innovators, advocates and leaders working to ensure technological progress translates into broader social and economic opportunities. Their work spans AI, agriculture, digital rights, technology policy and food systems, reflecting the wider role of innovation in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
