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Malaysia launches consultations on AI Governance Bill

Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital has launched public engagement sessions on its proposed AI Governance Bill, marking the next step towards establishing the country’s first dedicated legal framework for AI governance.

The sessions, organised by the National AI Office throughout July 2026, aim to explain the proposed framework, encourage dialogue and gather feedback from government agencies, industry, businesses, academia and the public.

According to the Ministry, the AI Governance Bill will become Malaysia’s first horizontal legal framework dedicated specifically to AI governance. It is intended to establish common principles that complement existing legislation and create a more coherent governance framework across sectors.

The proposed legislation adopts a risk-based approach, recognising that AI-related risks can arise throughout a system’s lifecycle. Governance responsibilities would be allocated according to the roles and level of control exercised by different parties.

The Ministry also highlighted incident reporting, appropriate safeguards and regulatory sandboxes as key mechanisms for supporting responsible innovation and strengthening public trust.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo told Parliament on 24 June that the bill would not regulate AI-generated content directly. Existing laws and regulatory frameworks would continue to govern illegal content.

A nationwide consultation through the Unified Public Consultation portal was expected to begin on 10 July 2026, providing another channel for individuals, businesses and organisations to submit feedback before the legislation is finalised.

The Ministry said the process is intended to be transparent, inclusive and consultative, supporting Malaysia’s ambition to become a trusted and globally competitive AI hub under the Towards an AI Nation 2030 roadmap.

Why does it matter?

The proposed AI Governance Bill would provide Malaysia with a single legal framework for AI governance rather than relying on sector-specific rules. By combining a risk-based approach with regulatory sandboxes, incident reporting and public consultation, the government is seeking to balance innovation with legal certainty and public trust.

The initiative also reflects a broader regional trend, with governments across Asia increasingly introducing dedicated AI governance frameworks to support investment while preparing for the safe deployment of increasingly capable AI systems.

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UNESCO study highlights AI gender gap in South Asia

UNESCO has published the Outlook Study on Artificial Intelligence and Gender in South Asia, the first regional assessment of women’s participation in AI across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Developed by the UNESCO Women for Ethical AI (W4EAI) South Asia Chapter, the report examines women’s representation across the AI ecosystem, from education and research to employment and entrepreneurship, highlighting the structural barriers that limit leadership opportunities.

The study finds that greater access to higher education has not translated into equal participation in AI-related fields. Women account for only around one-third of STEM students across the region and remain significantly underrepresented in computing, engineering and AI disciplines.

Although women contribute to AI research, they hold only 26% of corresponding or lead authorship positions, reflecting limited representation in research leadership. In the labour market, women remain concentrated in lower-value AI roles, while technical positions involving AI model development continue to be dominated by men.

Female entrepreneurs also face persistent barriers, including limited access to investment, technical expertise and institutional support.

Drawing on education and labour statistics, bibliometric analysis, LinkedIn Economic Graph data and interviews with women working in AI, UNESCO concludes that AI could either reinforce existing inequalities or become a catalyst for greater gender equality, depending on policy choices.

The report calls for greater investment in inclusive AI education, skills development, leadership opportunities and ethical AI governance to ensure women can participate fully in shaping the region’s AI future.

Why does it matter?

The report shows that gender inequality in AI extends well beyond education, affecting research leadership, employment, entrepreneurship and access to decision-making roles across South Asia. As countries invest in AI-driven economic growth, broader participation will be important not only for fairness but also for innovation and the development of AI systems that reflect diverse perspectives.

The findings also reinforce the growing link between AI governance and inclusion. Building ethical and trustworthy AI depends not only on technical safeguards but also on ensuring that women have equal opportunities to shape how AI technologies are designed, developed and deployed.

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Greece launches €10 million call to accelerate municipal digital transformation

The Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence has launched a €10 million funding programme to accelerate digital transformation across 35 municipalities, supporting the modernisation of local public services and digital infrastructure.

Municipalities in Greece will be able to develop and upgrade digital public services, citizen request management platforms and mobile applications. The programme also supports projects in civil protection, crisis management, telemedicine, remote care for vulnerable groups and digital tourism, including interactive maps, virtual and augmented reality applications, and the digitisation of historical and cultural archives.

The programme also places a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, the long-term sustainability of digital services and the resilience of municipal information systems.

According to the ministry, the initiative forms part of Greece’s broader strategy to build more resilient, modern and citizen-centred municipalities by investing in digital infrastructure tailored to local needs.

Why does it matter?

The programme reflects Greece’s continued effort to extend digital transformation beyond central government and strengthen the digital capabilities of local authorities. By investing in public services, cybersecurity, telemedicine and smart city applications, the initiative aims to improve service delivery while supporting more resilient and connected communities.

It also highlights the growing role of municipalities in national digital strategies. As local governments increasingly deliver services through digital platforms, investment in secure infrastructure and modern public administration is becoming an important part of broader digital transformation efforts across Europe.

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WSIS Forum 2026 closes with call to turn digital commitments into action

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 concluded with a strong call for the next decade to focus on implementation, as leaders from governments, international organisations, the private sector, and civil society stressed that digital transformation must be measured by its impact on people’s lives rather than by technological progress alone.

Closing the week-long forum in Geneva, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin described the gathering as a historic milestone for the global digital community, while Forum Chair Raafat Hendy of Egypt urged stakeholders to ensure that commitments made under the renewed WSIS mandate translate into tangible outcomes by 2035.

Honouring the past while looking ahead

Before reviewing the forum’s achievements, Bogdan-Martin paid tribute to three long-time contributors to the WSIS process who had recently passed away, Rita Goulous of Tunisia, Yuri Grin of the Russian Federation, and Gary Fowley of Canada. She recognised their lasting contributions to building the multistakeholder framework that has guided WSIS for more than two decades.

Turning to the forum itself, Bogdan-Martin highlighted its unprecedented scale, with more than 12,000 participants from over 170 countries attending Geneva Digital Week, including the AI for Good Global Summit, the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance, and the WSIS Forum.

She also celebrated major milestones achieved during the week, including the Partner2Connect initiative surpassing its original target by securing more than USD 120 billion in connectivity commitments worldwide. Another key outcome was the publication of the final report of the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience after two years of global collaboration.

Looking ahead, Bogdan-Martin outlined the next phase of the WSIS process, noting that Action Line facilitators will submit implementation roadmaps to the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) in 2027, directly linking WSIS commitments with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Digital Compact.

A decade of implementation

Forum Chair Raafat Hendy reflected on the week’s discussions, identifying digital inclusion, AI for development, digital finance, youth participation, and closing the gender digital divide as the central priorities that emerged throughout the forum.

He argued that connectivity alone is no longer sufficient, stressing that people also need affordable access, digital skills, relevant content, trusted services, and meaningful opportunities to participate in the digital economy.

‘Success should be measured not by technology deployed, but by lives improved,’ Hendy said, urging governments and stakeholders to focus on practical outcomes rather than technological achievements.

The WSIS Prizes were highlighted as examples of that approach, with 18 winners and 72 champions selected from 1,595 submissions representing 122 countries. According to Hendy, the projects demonstrated that digital technologies are already improving education, healthcare, inclusion, and community development worldwide.

Global cooperation remains essential

Representatives from Malaysia, South Africa, and the Republic of Korea reaffirmed their commitment to the WSIS vision of a people-centred, inclusive, and development-oriented information society.

Malaysia pledged continued cooperation to advance universal connectivity, trusted digital governance, and resilient digital infrastructure, while South Africa emphasised the importance of maintaining Africa’s active role in shaping the global digital agenda. The Republic of Korea highlighted the need to move beyond basic connectivity towards meaningful digital use supported by affordability, digital skills, accessibility, and trust.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers consistently stressed that digital transformation cannot be achieved by governments alone. Instead, they pointed to the multistakeholder model that has defined WSIS since its inception, bringing together governments, UN agencies, the private sector, academia, civil society, and the technical community.

Closing the forum, Bogdan-Martin described the renewed WSIS mandate as an opportunity to move from discussion to delivery. With implementation roadmaps due in 2027 and the mandate extended to 2035, she said the coming years should focus on translating political commitments into measurable improvements for people everywhere.

‘The countdown starts now,’ she concluded.

Track all key moments from the WSIS Forum 2026 on our dedicated WSIS page.

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EU-Australia Digital Dialogue focuses on AI and online safety

The EU and Australia have reaffirmed their digital partnership during the third EU-Australia Digital Dialogue, advancing cooperation on AI, cybersecurity, digital policy and secure infrastructure.

The online meeting was co-chaired by Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology at the European Commission, and Helen Wilson, Deputy Secretary of the Science and Technology Group at Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Discussions covered critical technologies, secure connectivity and digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, online safety and data policy. The two sides also exchanged views on their respective priorities for AI infrastructure, AI capabilities and AI safety.

The dialogue also addressed secure international connectivity and the importance of resilient digital infrastructure. Both sides reviewed progress on online safety cooperation, with particular attention to protecting children online.

The EU and Australia agreed to continue discussions across these areas and explore further opportunities for collaboration, including through Australia’s association with the EU’s Horizon Europe research programme.

Why does it matter?

The dialogue reflects the growing strategic importance of digital partnerships between like-minded countries. As AI, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and data governance become central to economic competitiveness and national security, international cooperation is increasingly focused on aligning policies as well as developing joint research and technology initiatives.

The reference to Horizon Europe also highlights the practical dimension of the partnership. Beyond policy discussions, cooperation could expand into collaborative research, innovation and technology development, strengthening ties between the EU and Australia’s digital ecosystems.

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Finland ranks among EU’s digital leaders

Finland has ranked among the EU’s leading digital economies in the European Commission’s latest State of the Digital Decade report, with the country highlighted for its digital skills, AI leadership, supercomputing capabilities and advanced public services.

The report paints a mixed picture across the EU. While digital adoption, connectivity, cloud services and AI continue to advance, the bloc still faces shortages of digital skills and lags in semiconductor production and globally competitive technology companies. According to the Commission, insufficient investment and market fragmentation remain major obstacles.

Finland performs strongly across a range of digital indicators. Businesses are highly digitalised, the population has above-average digital skills, and the country has developed advanced quantum and semiconductor ecosystems. Electronic public services rank among the EU’s best, 5G coverage is extensive, a national 6G roadmap is already in place, and cybersecurity remains strong, with nearly 80% of businesses implementing cybersecurity measures.

Finland has also played a leading role in shaping the EU’s digital policy agenda by steering the Digital Decade Board’s work on updating the programme’s targets and indicators. The board has proposed new priorities, including digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, sustainable digitalisation and greater data accessibility for AI development. The European Commission is expected to present its formal proposal for revising the Digital Decade Policy Programme in early 2027, following discussions among Member States.

Why does it matter?

Finland’s performance highlights how digital competitiveness is becoming increasingly linked to economic resilience and technological sovereignty. Its strengths in AI, cybersecurity, digital public services and advanced computing demonstrate the type of capabilities the EU is seeking to expand as it reduces dependence on external technology providers.

The proposed updates to the Digital Decade agenda also reflect a broader shift in EU digital policy. Alongside connectivity and digital skills, priorities such as digital sovereignty, cybersecurity and AI-ready data infrastructure are becoming central to Europe’s long-term competitiveness and strategic autonomy.

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Egypt assumes presidency of WSIS Forum 2026

Egypt has assumed the presidency of the WSIS Forum 2026, taking over from South Africa during the forum’s opening session in Geneva.

The country is represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, with Minister Raafat Hindi presiding over this year’s proceedings.

The WSIS Forum is a key international platform for advancing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society and strengthening global digital cooperation.

The 2026 edition is the first WSIS Forum after the 20-year review of the WSIS process, giving the meeting a focus on turning review outcomes into practical action through 2035.

In his opening remarks, Hindi said Egypt would build on South Africa’s presidency and work with governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, academia and international organisations.

He said the main challenge is no longer redefining the WSIS vision, but rather accelerating implementation amid rapid technological change.

Egypt’s stated priorities include bridging the digital divide, strengthening digital capacities, promoting responsible and inclusive AI, expanding digital public infrastructure and mobilising sustainable financing for developing countries.

The forum’s agenda also covers cybersecurity, online safety, misinformation, data governance, digital inclusion and emerging digital challenges.

Egypt said it views the presidency as a platform for building partnerships across regions and sectors, while promoting the priorities of Arab and developing countries in global digital cooperation.

Why does it matter?

Egypt’s presidency gives the WSIS Forum 2026 a clear post-WSIS+20 implementation focus. The emphasis on digital inclusion, AI, digital public infrastructure and financing for developing countries reflects a broader shift in digital cooperation debates: the issue is no longer only setting principles, but turning them into capacity, infrastructure and policy action. Egypt’s role also highlights the growing importance of Arab and developing-country priorities in global digital governance.

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Dutch government unveils plan to strengthen future workforce

The Dutch government has launched a national Talent Strategy to strengthen the country’s workforce and support future prosperity.

The strategy aims to attract, educate, and retain talent in areas considered crucial to the Netherlands’ economic growth, public services, and response to social challenges.

The government identifies four priority domains for investment: digitalisation and AI; security and resilience; energy and climate technology; and life sciences and biotechnology.

It says these are areas where the Netherlands has strengths in innovation and research, and where it wants to strengthen strategic autonomy.

The strategy responds to demographic pressure, skills mismatches and the need to make better use of scarce talent.

Planned measures include closer cooperation between the government, employers, workers, education institutions and other stakeholders.

The government also wants to improve training for priority sectors, expand lifelong learning and support smarter, more productive ways of working.

International recruitment will focus on targeted knowledge and expertise, while the government aims to reduce dependence on low-productivity labour migration.

The strategy forms part of the Ministerial Taskforce on Future Prosperity and Business Climate, with further policy updates expected in the coming months and a progress update by the end of 2026.

Why does it matter?

The strategy shows how workforce planning is becoming part of digital and industrial policy. By naming digitalisation and AI as one of four strategic domains, the Netherlands is linking talent development to competitiveness, strategic autonomy and long-term public-service capacity. The approach also reflects a wider European challenge: countries need enough specialised workers for AI and emerging technologies, while also expanding lifelong learning so existing workers are not left behind.

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Morocco backs human-centric AI governance through partnership with France in Geneva

Morocco has called for stronger international accountability frameworks for AI during the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, reaffirming its commitment to international cooperation on digital transformation and responsible AI. Speaking alongside French Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs Clara Chappaz, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, argued that increasingly autonomous AI systems require stronger accountability mechanisms.

The discussions covered cooperation on AI research, innovation, talent development, startup support, digital infrastructure, governance and digital sovereignty. Morocco and France also confirmed plans to meet in Rabat later this month to deepen their bilateral partnership on AI and digital transformation.

Morocco and France also confirmed plans to hold a meeting in Rabat later this month to further strengthen their partnership on AI and digital transformation. Seghrouchni highlighted the importance of accountability in large-scale digital government, noting the challenge of tracing system failures across Morocco’s approximately 52 million annual administrative transactions.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a human-centric approach to AI based on privacy protection, security by design and technologies that serve citizens.

Morocco also highlighted its contribution to UNESCO‘s AI ethics work and the Arab-African D4SD Hub, developed with the United Nations Development Programme to support regional digital innovation.

Panellists also discussed transparency, human oversight, accountability and risk management throughout the AI lifecycle, with particular attention to protecting children, women and vulnerable communities. The discussions reflected growing international efforts to ensure that rapid AI adoption is accompanied by stronger governance, public trust and responsible innovation.

Why does it matter?

The discussion reflects a broader shift in international AI governance from high-level ethical principles towards practical accountability frameworks for increasingly autonomous AI systems. As governments deploy AI more widely in public services, questions around transparency, responsibility and human oversight are becoming central to digital governance.

Morocco’s active participation also highlights how emerging digital economies are seeking to shape international AI governance rather than simply adopt standards developed elsewhere. Through regional initiatives and cooperation with partners such as France and UNESCO, the country is positioning itself as a contributor to global discussions on responsible AI.

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Canada funds AI mining innovation projects

Canada has announced CAD 6.7 million in federal funding for two AI-enabled mining innovation projects aimed at improving critical minerals extraction and ecological restoration.

The two projects, worth a combined CAD 19.8 million, are led by Novamera Inc. of Oakville, Ontario, and Koonkie Canada Inc. of Vancouver, British Columbia. Funding is being provided through Canada’s Digital Technology Cluster (DIGITAL).

Novamera will receive CAD 3.8 million for a CAD 10.9 million project to advance its Surgical Mining technology, which combines subsurface imaging, AI, robotics and conventional drilling equipment to access mineral deposits with greater precision.

The technology is designed to enable more targeted extraction of critical minerals, including copper and rare earth elements. According to the government, the project will help move the technology from development towards commercial deployment.

Koonkie will receive CAD 2.9 million for a CAD 8.9 million project to develop an AI-powered mine restoration platform. The system will combine environmental DNA analysis, soil health data, remote sensing and Indigenous ecological knowledge to monitor biodiversity and ecological recovery.

Project partners estimate the platform could shorten ecological restoration timelines by five to ten years while reducing restoration costs by up to 40% compared with conventional approaches.

The projects are expected to create up to 35 jobs and maintain a further 37. The government said the investments support Canada’s broader strategy to strengthen critical mineral supply chains, advance clean technologies and improve industrial competitiveness.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the investments would help Canadian companies develop and deploy technologies that improve the precision of critical minerals extraction, support responsible resource development and strengthen mine restoration.

Why does it matter?

Critical minerals such as copper and rare earth elements are essential for AI infrastructure, semiconductors, batteries and clean energy technologies, making mining innovation an increasingly important part of national industrial strategies. AI is also expanding beyond mineral exploration into operational efficiency and environmental management, helping companies improve resource recovery while reducing environmental impacts.

The projects illustrate how governments are using AI to strengthen both the competitiveness and sustainability of critical mineral supply chains. By combining automation, environmental monitoring and Indigenous knowledge, Canada is positioning digital technologies as a key component of responsible resource development.

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