Capacity development Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

APEC adopts regional AI agenda for connectivity, skills and trust

Asia-Pacific ministers have adopted a regional agenda on AI, digital connectivity, workforce skills and online safety, positioning AI as part of a broader strategy for economic development and digital resilience across APEC economies.

Outlined in the 2026 Digital and AI Ministerial Statement, the APEC AI plan promotes the responsible adoption of AI across sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture and public services.

Ministers also called for secure, affordable and reliable internet access, with greater attention to rural, remote and underserved communities. Cooperation will cover next-generation networks, satellite resources, cross-border data flows and resilient digital infrastructure, while encouraging member economies to help small and medium-sized enterprises adopt affordable, locally relevant AI tools tailored to regional languages and economic conditions.

Skills development forms another pillar of the plan. Ministers supported expanding digital education, vocational training, public awareness programmes and AI literacy, including for policymakers. Voluntary knowledge-sharing and technical assistance are intended to help economies with fewer resources build AI capabilities.

The statement also highlights growing risks from data breaches, online scams and the misuse of emerging technologies. Member economies were encouraged to strengthen cooperation with industry, civil society and technical organisations on cybersecurity, privacy, supply-chain resilience and child protection.

It also calls on technology companies to improve accountability, supports trusted open-source AI projects with appropriate security safeguards, and emphasises respect for data protection and intellectual property rights.

Investment in connectivity, energy infrastructure and start-ups is expected to support implementation of the plan, particularly by improving smaller businesses’ access to finance and digital technologies.

The Chengdu Statement also advances the wider APEC Artificial Intelligence Initiative 2026–2030, with ministers scheduled to meet again in Vietnam in 2027.

Why does it matter?

The Chengdu Statement reflects a growing recognition that successful AI adoption depends on more than developing advanced technologies. By linking AI with connectivity, digital skills, cybersecurity and support for smaller businesses, APEC presents AI as part of a wider economic and development agenda rather than a standalone technology policy.

Although the commitments are voluntary, the framework provides a common regional reference point for AI governance across economies with different levels of digital development. Its longer-term significance will depend on whether cooperation translates into practical improvements in infrastructure, skills, responsible AI deployment and digital inclusion.

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Kazakhstan strengthens workforce skills through digital learning

Kazakhstan’s employers’ organisation is expanding workplace training through greater use of digital learning, certified trainers and occupational safety programmes as part of efforts to strengthen workforce skills.

The initiative follows the completion of an advanced digital learning programme that enables certified trainers to develop online courses, webinars and professional training tailored to employers’ needs. Occupational safety and health will remain at the core of the programme as additional training areas are introduced.

A digital learning platform launched earlier this year supports course delivery, while cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) aims to strengthen training capacity and expand professional certification.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to help employers improve workforce skills, strengthen occupational safety and expand access to professional training through digital learning technologies.

Why does it matter?

Digital learning is becoming an increasingly important tool for workforce development, allowing employers to expand access to professional training while reducing the time and cost associated with traditional classroom programmes. For countries seeking to modernise labour markets, online training can help address skills gaps more efficiently.

The initiative also highlights the growing integration of digital technologies into occupational safety and health programmes. By combining digital learning with internationally recognised certification and cooperation with the ILO, Kazakhstan is seeking to strengthen both workforce resilience and workplace standards.

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UN Global Mechanism on ICT Security begins building global capacity architecture

The UN’s permanent cyber mechanism advanced plans for a long-term global cyber capacity-building system, with member states focusing on how to transform political commitments into practical support through new funding mechanisms, implementation platforms, fellowship programmes, and coordinated international partnerships.

The eighth substantive plenary meeting of the Global Mechanism on Developments in the Field of ICTs in the Context of International Security was devoted entirely to capacity development. With 49 delegations requesting the floor, discussions reflected broad agreement that strengthening national cyber capabilities is no longer a supporting activity but the foundation for implementing every pillar of the UN framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

Delegations repeatedly stressed that cyber resilience depends on narrowing capability gaps between countries and that capacity development must be demand-driven, nationally owned, sustainable, and adapted to local circumstances rather than following uniform models.

Capacity development moves to the centre of implementation

Speakers from all regional groups argued that voluntary norms, international law, and confidence-building measures can only be translated into practical action if states possess the necessary institutions, technical expertise, legal frameworks, and skilled personnel.

Several developing countries emphasised that the main obstacle is not political commitment but limited resources and technical capacity. Pacific island states illustrated these challenges through practical examples, while also demonstrating how sustained investment and long-term partnerships can strengthen national cyber resilience.

Fellowship programmes and inclusion gain momentum

Delegations strongly endorsed efforts to broaden participation in global cyber diplomacy through fellowship and sponsorship programmes.

The Women in International Security and Cyberspace Fellowship received widespread support, with representatives from Kiribati, Tonga, Albania, Ghana, the Bahamas, and others describing how it enabled their countries to participate more effectively in the UN process. Many speakers also stressed that gender equality should be treated as an integral part of cybersecurity capacity-building rather than a separate policy objective.

Small island developing states also highlighted practical barriers to participation, including limited staffing, time-zone differences, and the importance of hybrid participation in future meetings.

New implementation mechanisms take shape

A series of concrete proposals signalled the mechanism’s growing emphasis on operational delivery.

India announced that it will fully fund the operationalisation of the Global ICT Security Cooperation and Capacity Building Portal, describing it as a practical platform for matching countries’ needs with available expertise and resources. Delegations also welcomed continued work on a UN Voluntary Fund for ICT security capacity-building, while Russia proposed UN-supported cyber-response exercises and Switzerland announced plans for a new Geneva-based community hub following the closure of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise. China also announced a programme providing 5,000 AI fellowships for developing countries over the next five years.

Dedicated Thematic Group 2 expected to deliver results

Many delegations described Dedicated Thematic Group 2 (DTG2) as one of the most important innovations of the new mechanism and its first major test of implementation.

Rather than creating new political commitments, states called for DTG2 to identify national needs, match assistance with available resources, coordinate existing initiatives, develop practical guidance, and produce measurable recommendations that can be adopted by the plenary. Several delegations also stressed that its work should complement existing regional and international initiatives rather than duplicate them.

Success to be measured by resilience

Throughout the session, speakers argued that the effectiveness of capacity development should ultimately be measured by stronger institutions, better-prepared professionals, and improved national resilience, rather than by the number of meetings or training activities.

Closing the discussion, Chair Egriselda López noted that capacity development had emerged as one of the mechanisms’ most significant priorities and confirmed that remaining interventions would continue during the following day’s final plenary session.

Track all key moments from the First substantive session of the UN Global Mechanism on cybersecurity on our dedicated page.

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UN Global Mechanism on ICT Security shifts from agreements to operational implementation

The UN’s permanent cyber mechanism continued its transition from developing policy frameworks to implementing them, with member states focusing on practical measures to operationalise confidence-building measures (CBMs), strengthen cyber capacity, and ensure agreed commitments can function effectively during real-world cyber incidents.

During the seventh substantive plenary meeting of the Global Mechanism on ICT Security, delegations concentrated on translating previous political agreements into operational tools. Discussions centred on the Global Points of Contact (POC) Directory, the role of the Dedicated Thematic Groups (DTGs), regional cooperation, and capacity development as the foundation for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

Across regional groups, delegates broadly agreed that implementation has become the mechanism’s principal challenge, particularly for developing countries and small island developing states with limited technical and institutional resources.

States seek to operationalise cyber confidence-building measures

Delegations reaffirmed that confidence-building measures are intended to reduce misunderstandings, improve communication, and lower the risk of escalation before cyber incidents develop into political crises.

The Global Points of Contact Directory was widely described as the most tangible achievement inherited from the previous Open-ended Working Group (OEWG). However, speakers stressed that its success depends not simply on the number of participating states, but on regular testing, timely responses, and practical use during incidents.

Several delegations emphasised that the directory should complement, not replace, existing diplomatic, technical, and regional communication channels, while remaining proportionate to the capacities of smaller administrations.

Practical experience shapes future cooperation

Rather than proposing new confidence-building measures, many countries shared lessons from real cyber incidents.

Tonga highlighted cooperation following a cyberattack on its national health system, explaining that trusted regional relationships enabled rapid assistance and coordinated public attribution. Vanuatu similarly argued that confidence is built through predictable cooperation and routine communication rather than by creating additional mechanisms or reporting requirements.

The Dominican Republic also distinguished between confidence-building measures and operational incident response, noting that CBMs create the trust necessary for rapid technical cooperation but are not themselves emergency response mechanisms.

Dedicated Thematic Groups become implementation platform

Many delegations identified the Dedicated Thematic Groups as the mechanism’s primary vehicle for turning agreed commitments into practical action.

Countries proposed that the DTGs facilitate exchanges of national experience, scenario-based exercises, practical guidance, and technical recommendations while avoiding duplication of plenary negotiations. Regional organisations were likewise encouraged to share their implementation experience so that successful practices could inform global discussions.

Simulation exercises, regular communication checks, and joint training activities were repeatedly highlighted as practical ways to ensure confidence-building measures function effectively before crises occur.

Capacity development recognised as the foundation

The second half of the session focused on capacity building, which delegations consistently described as underpinning every pillar of the UN cyber framework.

The Pacific Islands Forum, the African Group, the European Union, CARICOM, and a Latin American coalition argued that countries cannot effectively implement voluntary norms, apply international law, or participate in confidence-building measures without sufficient legal, institutional, and technical capacity. Several speakers proposed expanding international support through fellowship programmes, a voluntary UN ICT Security Capacity Building Fund, stronger national computer emergency response teams (CERTs), and a Global ICT Security Cooperation and Capacity Building Portal.

Delegations also stressed that future capacity-building efforts should remain demand-driven, nationally owned, and adapted to local priorities while avoiding duplication of existing initiatives.

Ensuring no country is left behind

Throughout the discussion, developing countries and small island developing states emphasised that practical implementation must take account of widely differing national capacities.

Several delegations called for greater inclusion of regional organisations, civil society, academia, the private sector, and youth in implementation efforts, arguing that broad participation will be essential if the mechanism is to deliver practical improvements in global cybersecurity.

Closing the session, Chair Egriselda López noted the broad support for translating agreed confidence-building measures into practical implementation and confirmed that discussions on capacity development would continue during the afternoon session.

Track all key moments from the First substantive session of the UN Global Mechanism on cybersecurity on our dedicated page.

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UN Global Mechanism on ICT Security highlights growing role of stakeholders

The UN’s permanent cyber mechanism devoted a full session to accredited stakeholders, with technical organisations, civil society groups, humanitarian actors, and youth representatives calling for greater participation in shaping international cybersecurity cooperation and urging member states to make stakeholder engagement a practical part of implementing the UN cyber framework.

The sixth meeting of the first substantive plenary session of the Global Mechanism on ICTs in the Context of International Security combined stakeholder interventions with discussions on international law and confidence-building measures (CBMs). Throughout the day, speakers argued that responsible state behaviour in cyberspace increasingly depends on close cooperation with the technical community, researchers, industry, humanitarian organisations, and civil society.

A recurring concern was the exclusion of more than 60 accredited organisations from formal participation. Multiple stakeholders called on member states to adopt transparent, criteria-based accreditation procedures, arguing that meaningful implementation of the UN cyber framework requires inclusive multistakeholder participation.

Technical community highlights operational expertise

Several organisations emphasised that many of the practical tools needed to strengthen cybersecurity already exist outside governments.

ICANN outlined its work on strengthening the resilience of the internet’s domain name system, while the Internet Society highlighted initiatives supporting routing security, internet exchange points, and critical cybersecurity infrastructure. FIRST, representing hundreds of incident response teams worldwide, stressed the importance of international cooperation among technical responders, responsible vulnerability disclosure, and operational collaboration during cyber incidents.

Other stakeholders focused on implementation challenges. Chatham House argued that practical guidance alone is insufficient unless states also possess the institutional capacity to apply it, while Developing Capacity LTD highlighted existing resources and cyber capacity-building initiatives that could support the work of the Dedicated Thematic Groups (DTGs).

Youth, civil society and humanitarian perspectives

The Discover MUN Foundation, speaking on behalf of the UN Major Group for Children and Youth, called for age-disaggregated data on malicious cyber activity, dedicated youth capacity-building initiatives, and recognition of youth engagement itself as a confidence-building measure.

Human rights organisations drew attention to the disproportionate impact of cyber threats on vulnerable communities, while Access Now highlighted the growing number of internet shutdowns during armed conflicts and called for greater attention to the human consequences of cyber operations. The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue introduced another emerging issue by encouraging states to begin developing confidence-building measures specifically for post-conflict cyber environments.

States back stronger cooperation with stakeholders

During the interactive dialogue, several member states acknowledged the value of stakeholder expertise.

Canada, the European Union, Japan, Chile, Germany, and Mexico encouraged stronger collaboration with technical organisations, academia, and civil society, particularly within the DTGs. Delegations also criticised the exclusion of numerous accredited organisations, arguing that broader participation would strengthen implementation of the UN framework rather than complicate negotiations.

Stakeholders responded by offering practical implementation resources, including policy guidance, technical expertise, training programmes, capacity-building platforms, and operational tools that could support future work under the Global Mechanism.

International law discussions remain implementation-focused

The session also continued discussions on the application of international law to cyberspace.

Switzerland and Australia argued that the mechanism should build on existing areas of legal convergence by examining practical cyber scenarios through the DTGs. The International Committee of the Red Cross called for greater attention to how international humanitarian law protects civilian infrastructure and addresses emerging technologies such as AI in armed conflict.

While Algeria and Nicaragua continued to support the eventual development of legally binding international instruments, the United States maintained that existing international law remains sufficient and that discussions should focus on implementation rather than negotiating new treaties.

Confidence-building measures move towards implementation

The final part of the session focused on operationalising the confidence-building measures agreed during the previous UN Open-ended Working Group.

Many delegations identified the Global Points of Contact Directory as one of the mechanisms’ most practical achievements, describing it as an important tool for crisis communication and incident response. Small island developing states, including Kiribati and Nauru, emphasised that reliable communication channels are essential for countries with limited diplomatic and technical resources.

Regional initiatives such as the Pacific Cybersecurity Operational Network were repeatedly cited as examples of how regular cooperation, information sharing, and practical exercises can build trust before cyber incidents occur.

Closing the meeting, the Chair thanked both member states and stakeholders for their extensive contributions and noted that discussions on confidence-building measures would continue the following day.

Track all key moments from the First substantive session of the UN Global Mechanism on cybersecurity on our dedicated page.

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UN Global Mechanism on ICT security shifts focus to implementing international law in cyberspace

The UN’s permanent cyber mechanism continued its substantive work by focusing on how international law should be applied in cyberspace, with member states broadly agreeing that the priority is no longer whether international law applies, but how to translate that consensus into practical implementation.

During the fifth substantive plenary session of the Global Mechanism on Developments in the Field of ICTs in the Context of International Security, delegations reaffirmed that international law, including the UN Charter, applies to state conduct in cyberspace. Discussions instead centred on deepening common understanding through scenario-based exchanges, legal capacity development, and practical implementation within the mechanism’s Dedicated Thematic Groups (DTGs).

While some states continued to advocate for new legally binding international instruments, the prevailing view was that the immediate priority should be strengthening the implementation of the existing legal framework and helping all countries participate meaningfully in its development.

From legal principle to practical application

A broad cross-regional coalition led by Switzerland argued that the mechanism should focus on clarifying how international law applies in practice rather than revisiting questions already settled through previous UN processes.

The group identified five priority areas for future discussions, such as sovereignty and non-intervention, state responsibility and due diligence, the prohibition of the use of force and self-defence, international humanitarian law (IHL), and international human rights law. It also encouraged scenario-based discussions examining issues such as cyber operations targeting hospitals, water systems, and energy infrastructure.

The Pacific Islands Forum, represented by Tonga, similarly reaffirmed that international law applies to cyberspace while stressing that legal capacity development should become a cross-cutting priority before discussions turn to new legally binding obligations. The Forum proposed regional workshops, peer exchanges, expert briefings, and practical exercises to help states develop national legal positions.

Practical implementation takes centre stage

The European Union, Australia and several cross-regional coalitions argued that the mechanism should build on the work already undertaken through successive UN Groups of Governmental Experts (GGEs) and Open-ended Working Groups (OEWGs).

Delegations highlighted the growing number of national and regional statements explaining how countries interpret the application of international law in cyberspace, describing these as important confidence-building measures that improve transparency and reduce the risk of misunderstanding.

Many speakers also identified the DTGs as the most appropriate venue for examining practical legal questions through realistic case studies, expert briefings, and exchanges of national experience.

Legal capacity emerges as a central issue

One of the session’s strongest themes was the need to ensure that all states can participate effectively in discussions on international law.

Kiribati offered a particularly candid account of the resource constraints facing many small developing countries, explaining that international law represents their principal means of protection despite having limited legal and technical capacity.

The delegation argued that legal capacity building is not a secondary issue but a prerequisite for meaningful participation, advocating practical, scenario-based exercises to help governments translate legal principles into operational understanding.

This emphasis was echoed by the African Group, Mauritius, Malawi, Singapore, Botswana, Vanuatu, and many other delegations, which called for tailored capacity-building programmes, regional cooperation, and support for the development of national positions on international law.

International humanitarian law remains an important focus

The applicability of international humanitarian law to cyber operations featured prominently throughout the debate.

Numerous delegations argued that recognising IHL in cyberspace does not legitimise cyberwarfare or militarise cyberspace, but instead ensures that civilians and protected infrastructure continue to benefit from established legal protections during armed conflict.

Several countries nevertheless argued that cyberspace presents unique legal challenges requiring greater caution or the future development of additional international rules, reflecting one of the principal areas of continuing disagreement.

Diverging views on future legal instruments

Although there was broad agreement on the applicability of international law, member states remained divided over whether additional legally binding instruments were needed.

Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela argued that the distinctive characteristics of cyberspace justify the development of new international legal frameworks alongside existing commitments. By contrast, a larger group of states, including the European Union, the Pacific Islands Forum, the Republic of Korea, Canada, Ireland, France, and New Zealand, maintained that existing international law provides an adequate foundation, with efforts better directed towards improving common understanding and implementation.

Despite these differences, the discussion revealed broad convergence around the practical direction of the Global Mechanism. Delegations consistently supported greater transparency through national legal positions, stronger legal capacity development, and scenario-based discussions that enable governments to apply international law to real-world cyber incidents.

As the session concluded, the Chair confirmed that discussions on international law would continue before the mechanism moved to its next agenda item on confidence-building measures.

Track all key moments from the First substantive session of the UN Global Mechanism on cybersecurity on our dedicated page.

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Singapore expands AI governance training partnership with IAPP

Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) have signed a three-year agreement to expand AI governance training, reflecting growing demand for professionals who can oversee the safe and responsible deployment of AI.

The Memorandum of Intent aims to equip regulators, industry leaders and practitioners with the skills needed to address increasingly complex issues related to AI governance, responsible data use and emerging technology regulation.

Under the partnership, professionals in Singapore will gain broader access to training and certification, including the IAPP’s AI Governance Professional programme. The organisations said demand is growing for specialists who can help organisations manage AI risks while supporting innovation.

IMDA and the IAPP will also continue integrating the Singapore Data Festival with the IAPP Asia Forum for another three years. The joint event will bring together policymakers, regulators and industry experts to discuss developments in AI governance, data protection and digital responsibility, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a regional hub for trusted digital governance.

The agreement was signed by Denise Wong, Commissioner of Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Commission and IMDA Assistant Chief Executive, and IAPP President and CEO J. Trevor Hughes.

Wong said the partnership would equip regulators and industry leaders with practical skills while attracting more international expertise to Singapore, while Hughes emphasised the growing importance of trained professionals as AI transforms industries.

The partnership will also promote discussions on ethical AI, trustworthy systems and organisational accountability, with both organisations aiming to help practitioners translate high-level governance principles into operational practice.

Why does it matter?

As AI regulation becomes more sophisticated, organisations increasingly need professionals who can translate legal requirements and ethical principles into practical governance processes. Training and certification programmes are becoming an important part of building the institutional capacity needed for responsible AI deployment.

The partnership also reinforces Singapore’s ambition to position itself as a regional centre for AI governance and digital trust. By combining international certification with local policy initiatives, it aims to strengthen the expertise needed to support AI adoption across both the public and private sectors.

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Singapore expands AI strategy to accelerate enterprise adoption and workforce skills

Singapore is sharpening its AI strategy with a stronger emphasis on accelerating business adoption, expanding AI skills and strengthening governance, as the country seeks to translate AI capabilities into broader economic impact.

Speaking at IBM Think on Tour Singapore, Minister Josephine Teo said the updated approach builds on the National AI Strategy by narrowing the gap between widespread individual AI use and slower enterprise adoption.

Initiatives include the National AI Impact Programme, AI training for digital leaders, support for AI ‘bilinguals’ who combine domain expertise with AI knowledge, and expanded compute resources for organisations developing tailored AI applications.

Singapore is also working to make AI adoption more inclusive by helping professionals and SMEs access AI tools, skills and computing resources. Partnerships with technology companies will support organisations in identifying practical use cases and integrating AI into their operations.

Alongside expanding AI adoption, Singapore is strengthening governance frameworks to address risks associated with increasingly capable agentic AI systems. The country is also investing in quantum technologies as part of its broader ambition to position itself as a global AI innovation hub.

Why does it matter?

Singapore’s updated strategy reflects a broader shift in national AI policies from developing technical capabilities to accelerating adoption across the economy. Increasingly, governments are focusing not only on creating AI technologies but also on ensuring that businesses, workers and public institutions have the skills, infrastructure and support needed to use them effectively.

The strategy also demonstrates how AI competitiveness is becoming closely linked with governance and workforce development. By combining investment in AI adoption, talent and risk management, Singapore aims to strengthen its position as a regional AI hub while preparing for more advanced technologies such as agentic AI and quantum computing.

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India expands Ayush Grid digital health infrastructure

India’s Ministry of Ayush has reported progress in expanding the Ayush Grid, a digital public infrastructure designed to support healthcare delivery, research, regulation, education and public services across the country’s traditional medicine sector.

The ministry said it has developed 24 e-governance platforms, including the My Ayush Integrated Services Portal, which brings together ministry services within a single digital ecosystem and features a beta AI chatbot to assist users.

The Ayush Hospital Management Information System supports patient registration, electronic health records, referrals and continuity of care. As of 15 July 2026, the platform had been adopted by 5,386 Ayush healthcare facilities.

Other digital platforms include the Ayush Research Portal, containing more than 43,000 curated publications, the Ayush Anudan funding portal, the Ayush Nivesh Saarthi investment gateway and the e-Charak medicinal plant marketplace.

Additional services support yoga programmes, health assessments and infrastructure planning. More than 760,000 organisations registered for Yoga Sangam during the International Day of Yoga 2026, while 6,002 facilities have been mapped through the PM GatiShakti Ayush Asset Mapping Tool.

The Swasthya Assessment Scale has also enrolled 1,335 doctors across 221 facilities.

The ministry plans to strengthen interoperability, multilingual services and data-driven governance while expanding the use of AI and machine learning. Future work will also focus on closer integration with national digital health initiatives, including the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, to improve access to Ayush services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Why does it matter?

The Ayush Grid demonstrates how India is extending its digital public infrastructure approach beyond conventional healthcare into traditional medicine. By integrating clinical services, research, funding and citizen-facing platforms, the initiative aims to improve coordination, transparency and continuity of care across the sector.

The planned expansion of interoperability, AI and multilingual digital services also reflects a broader shift towards data-driven health governance. Closer integration with national digital health programmes could improve access to healthcare while strengthening the role of traditional medicine within India’s wider digital health ecosystem.

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South Korea expands AI diplomacy through new development package

South Korea has unveiled the ‘K-AI Package’, a development cooperation strategy that combines AI infrastructure, digital capacity development and development finance to support AI adoption in developing countries while expanding international opportunities for Korean technology companies.

The strategy was presented on 20 July during a ministerial meeting on global economic affairs chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun Cheol.

The initiative combines AI solutions, AI data centres and renewable energy facilities with infrastructure projects financed through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund. It covers seven sectors, including water management, healthcare, energy, transport, agriculture, culture and education, with projects ranging from AI-supported dam management and medical diagnosis systems to smart farming, renewable energy technologies and AI education programmes.

South Korea plans to integrate the package with existing development cooperation mechanisms, including the Knowledge Sharing Program, trust funds, development finance and joint financing with multilateral development banks.

Alongside infrastructure projects, the government will support partner countries in developing AI legislation, standards and institutions while investing in technical education, workforce training and local capacity development.

From the second half of 2026, South Korea will identify partner countries’ priorities and propose tailored K-AI projects before moving to implementation. AI will also become a priority under the Knowledge Sharing Program in 2027, while a proposed global AI hub will support technology adoption and skills development in emerging economies.

Why does it matter?

The K-AI Package illustrates how development cooperation is becoming an increasingly important instrument of AI diplomacy. Rather than focusing solely on technology exports, South Korea is combining infrastructure, policy advice, skills development and financing to help partner countries build AI capacity.

The initiative also reflects growing international competition to shape the global AI ecosystem through development partnerships. By linking development assistance with industrial strategy, South Korea aims to expand opportunities for its AI industry while strengthening long-term digital cooperation with emerging economies.

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