Capacity development Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

UNESCO strengthens AI judicial training in Namibia

UNESCO and its partners have strengthened judicial capacity in Namibia through the second edition of the Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law training programme, held in Windhoek from 23 to 25 June 2026.

The programme brought together 22 judges, magistrates and legal officers to improve understanding of AI’s growing role in judicial processes while promoting the ethical, accountable and human rights-based use of the technology.

Organised by UNESCO’s Windhoek Office together with the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, the Directorate of Research and Innovation under the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Namibia–Angola, the programme forms part of the EU-funded Global Rule of Law Programme.

It supports the implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence by helping justice systems adapt to rapidly evolving AI technologies.

Participants explored AI ethics, judicial independence, data protection, algorithmic transparency, cybersecurity, AI-generated evidence and the use of AI in judicial reasoning.

The programme also introduced UNESCO’s Global Toolkit on AI and the Rule of Law and presented Namibia’s national AI readiness assessment. Speakers stressed that AI should support judicial work rather than replace human judgement and that its use must remain subject to constitutional oversight and public accountability.

UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Namibia’s justice sector as it adapts to digital transformation. The programme highlighted the importance of equipping legal professionals with the skills needed to evaluate AI-generated evidence, safeguard fundamental rights and ensure that AI adoption remains consistent with the rule of law, transparency and accountability.

Why does it matter?

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into judicial systems, judges and legal professionals will need specialised knowledge to assess AI-generated evidence, protect fundamental rights and preserve public confidence in the administration of justice. Building institutional expertise is therefore becoming an essential component of responsible AI governance.

The programme also reflects a wider international effort to ensure that AI complements rather than replaces judicial decision-making. By emphasising human oversight, constitutional accountability and ethical safeguards, UNESCO is promoting a governance model that seeks to modernise justice systems without compromising judicial independence or the rule of law.

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OECD warns of growing shadow AI in government

The OECD has warned that ‘shadow AI’ is spreading across public administrations as civil servants adopt generative AI without formal approval, consistent oversight or clear operational rules.

A review of official guidance from 14 countries found that while governments have widely adopted AI ethics principles, practical guidance for designing, monitoring, and evaluating generative AI experiments remains fragmented. The result is inconsistent practices, duplicated pilot projects and excessive risk aversion.

The OECD argues that structured experimentation should bridge the gap between national AI strategies and day-to-day public administration. Governments should begin with controlled, low-risk applications before extending AI to sensitive services or decisions affecting citizens.

Evaluation remains a major weakness. Many pilot projects rely on basic indicators such as usage rates and user satisfaction rather than systematically assessing output quality, costs, institutional impact or regulatory compliance.

The OECD therefore recommends evaluating experiments across five dimensions: performance, public value, feasibility, usability and risk management. Because generative AI can produce different outputs from identical prompts, continuous monitoring may be more appropriate than one-off testing.

The framework presented in the report shows that trustworthy adoption depends on three connected elements: enablers such as skills, data and infrastructure; guardrails including legislation, oversight and ethical principles; and engagement with public servants, citizens and external partners.

To contain shadow AI, the OECD recommends shared tools, secure testing environments, stronger AI literacy, clearer accountability and better coordination across projects. Experiments and evaluation methods should be designed together from the outset. Without these measures, governments risk creating isolated pilot projects that cannot be safely scaled, compared or discontinued when they fail.

Why does it matter?

The rapid spread of shadow AI suggests that public servants are adopting generative AI faster than governments can establish formal governance processes. Without common standards for testing, evaluation and oversight, informal AI use could undermine accountability, expose sensitive information and create inconsistent public services.

The OECD’s framework reflects a broader shift in AI governance from developing high-level principles to establishing practical methods for responsible deployment. As governments move from experimentation to implementation, structured evaluation may become as important as regulation itself.

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China releases international AI ethics governance action plan

China has released an Action Plan on International Artificial Intelligence Ethics Governance during the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, outlining its vision for international AI governance and ethical cooperation.

Issued under the guidance of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and relevant partners, the plan seeks to strengthen international cooperation on AI ethics within the framework of the UN Pact for the Future and its Global Digital Compact.

The action plan encourages countries to develop AI governance according to their national circumstances while promoting ethical oversight across the entire AI lifecycle. It advocates risk-based governance, agile regulation, stronger cooperation across AI supply chains and greater international policy coordination based on consultation, joint participation and shared benefits.

China also committed to working with international organisations to implement the plan, expand multilateral cooperation and strengthen dialogue among governments, industry and academia. Particular emphasis is placed on supporting developing countries through capacity building, improving access to AI governance resources and promoting a more inclusive global AI governance ecosystem.

The plan further encourages research and open-source collaboration on AI explainability, privacy protection and bias mitigation. It also calls for integrating AI ethics into education, protecting vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities, and helping narrow the digital divide.

Why does it matter?

The action plan reinforces China’s ambition to play a leading role in shaping international AI governance through multilateral institutions, ethical standards and capacity building. By linking the initiative to the UN Global Digital Compact and the Pact for the Future, Beijing is positioning its governance approach within ongoing global discussions on AI regulation.

The emphasis on flexible national implementation, support for developing countries and open-source collaboration also reflects China’s broader effort to influence how international AI governance evolves, particularly in areas where global rules and standards are still taking shape.

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UNESCO advances AI and ICT teacher training in Tanzania

UNESCO, together with the University of Dodoma, the Tanzania Institute of Education and the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, has trained 1,492 pre-service teachers to strengthen the integration of digital technologies in Tanzanian classrooms.

The programme introduced participants to Tanzania’s 2025 ICT Competency Standards for Teachers through the Tanzania Institute of Education’s learning management system. Training covered AI in education, internet safety, cybersecurity, digital citizenship, digital assessment and learner-centred teaching methods.

According to UNESCO, the initiative aims to strengthen teachers’ digital competencies and support the effective and responsible use of technology in classrooms. Participants said the practical training increased their confidence in using digital tools and applying AI responsibly in line with Tanzania’s curriculum and national education priorities.

The training forms part of the ICT Transforming Education in Africa Phase III project, funded by South Korea, and supports Tanzania’s wider digital transformation strategy for education. It was delivered at the University of Dodoma.

Why does it matter?

Preparing teachers to use AI and digital technologies effectively is becoming a central part of education policy worldwide. Equipping future educators with technical skills, digital literacy and responsible AI practices can help ensure that new technologies improve learning rather than widen existing educational gaps.

The programme also illustrates how teacher training is evolving beyond basic ICT skills to include AI, cybersecurity and digital citizenship. As countries integrate AI into education, building educator capacity is increasingly recognised as essential for successful and responsible digital transformation.

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ILO, Zambia and Japan launch e-waste project for green jobs

The International Labour Organization (ILO), the governments of Zambia and Japan have launched a Japan-funded initiative to promote sustainable e-waste management while creating green employment opportunities for young people.

The Sustainable E-Waste Management for Youth Employment Project will support green enterprise development, expand employment opportunities for young people, women and persons with disabilities, strengthen skills development and promote circular economy practices as part of Zambia’s environmental and economic transformation.

According to the ILO and project partners, the initiative demonstrates how environmental sustainability and decent work can be advanced together. Employers, workers and government representatives said it will encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen collaboration, and help address Zambia’s growing e-waste challenge.

The project was launched in Lusaka as part of a partnership between the ILO and the governments of Zambia and Japan to support a greener and more resilient economy.

Why does it matter?

The initiative links environmental protection with employment creation by treating electronic waste as an economic resource rather than simply a disposal problem. Developing recycling and circular economy industries could help create new jobs while reducing the environmental and health impacts of poorly managed e-waste.

The project also reflects a broader international trend towards integrating climate, labour and development policies. By combining skills development, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability, it illustrates how green transition programmes are increasingly being designed to deliver both economic and social benefits.

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Nearly six in ten UK adults now use generative AI, survey finds

Nearly six in ten UK adults used generative AI during the previous three months, according to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s (DSIT) first Public Engagement Survey.

The survey found that 59% of adults had used generative AI, while 97% reported at least some awareness of AI. Tools capable of producing human-like text or speech were used by 56% of respondents, while 54% had used AI-powered digital assistants.

Adoption was highest among adults aged 16 to 44 before declining steadily with age, reaching just 8% among people aged 85 and over. Use also increased with education levels, from 19% among adults without formal qualifications to 75% among degree holders. Regionally, London recorded the highest adoption rate at 69%, compared with 51% in North East England.

Among online respondents using the technology, 83% reported personal use, 54% used it for work, and 27% for education or study. Saving time was the main motivation, followed by generating ideas and summarising information. Although easier access to information or advice was seen as AI’s biggest benefit, 74% of adults remained concerned that AI-generated information could be inaccurate.

The findings also point to broad public support for regulation. At least two-thirds of respondents backed legislation to improve AI safety, increase transparency, reduce bias and limit job displacement.

The survey was conducted between November 2025 and March 2026 and included 30,698 respondents, providing one of the broadest official snapshots of generative AI use across the UK.

Why does it matter?

The survey suggests that generative AI has moved rapidly into the mainstream, making questions of governance, digital skills and public trust increasingly important. As adoption grows across everyday life and work, ensuring people can use AI safely and effectively may become as important as expanding access to the technology itself.

The findings also highlight persistent inequalities in adoption across age, education and geography. Combined with strong public support for AI regulation, they suggest that future policy will need to address both access to AI and confidence in how it is developed and used.

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Report urges Hong Kong to strengthen AI adoption strategy

Hong Kong should draw on the experiences of Singapore and the United Kingdom to accelerate AI adoption, according to research published by the Legislative Council Secretariat.

Although Hong Kong has identified AI as a priority industry, it has yet to adopt a standalone economy-wide AI strategy. A 2025 survey found that only around 2% of local organisations were fully prepared for AI, compared with a global average of 13%.

Hong Kong ranked 20th in the International Monetary Fund’s AI Preparedness Index, behind Singapore, Japan, South Korea and the UK. While it scored highly for digital infrastructure and innovation, it ranked considerably lower in human capital, labour policy, regulation and ethics.

The report identifies fragmented governance, limited in-house expertise and insufficient computing capacity as major barriers. Around 44% of Hong Kong businesses reportedly struggled to secure adequate processing power, while many, particularly smaller firms, lacked support for redesigning workflows and integrating legacy data systems.

Singapore has addressed these barriers through coordinated funding, diagnostics and technical assistance. Grants subsidise approved AI tools, while government programmes connect businesses with consultants, engineers and major cloud providers. By October 2025, its Enterprise Compute Initiative had linked around 1,000 companies with cloud partners.

However, the report notes that Singapore also faces challenges in moving from experimentation to widespread organisational transformation. AI adoption reached 62.5% among larger companies and 14.5% among SMEs in 2024, yet only 4% of firms had integrated AI into their core business processes by 2026.

The UK has concentrated support on SMEs and traditionally less digitised sectors through programmes such as BridgeAI and Made Smarter, which combine funding with mentoring, diagnostics, training and technical collaboration. Business use of AI increased from 9.4% in September 2023 to 25.9% in March 2026, with particularly strong growth in construction, transport and manufacturing.

Both Singapore and the UK have also expanded computing infrastructure. Singapore combines cloud credits with technical support, while the UK is investing in public supercomputers and regional AI Growth Zones, which had attracted £28.2 billion in planned investment by January 2026.

The report concludes that accelerating AI adoption will require more than financial incentives. A coordinated approach combining affordable computing, technical support, workforce development and assistance with business transformation could help organisations move from isolated AI pilots to widespread operational use.

Why does it matter?

The report highlights that digital infrastructure alone is not enough to drive AI adoption. Countries that combine funding with technical assistance, workforce development, computing capacity and coordinated governance appear better positioned to translate AI investment into measurable productivity gains.

For Hong Kong, the findings suggest that competitiveness will depend less on access to AI technologies than on the ability of businesses, particularly SMEs, to integrate them into everyday operations. The report therefore reinforces a broader international trend towards AI adoption policies that emphasise implementation alongside innovation.

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WHO convenes global summit on AI governance in healthcare

The World Health Organization has brought ministers and senior officials from 37 countries to Lisbon to develop a shared approach to AI health governance, patient safety and equitable access to emerging technologies.

The global conference, co-hosted by WHO/Europe and the Portuguese government, brings together representatives from all six WHO regions, alongside leaders from the European Commission, the World Bank, the Wellcome Trust, the Aga Khan University and the Gates Foundation.

WHO said its assessment of AI readiness across the European Region revealed a substantial gap between AI adoption and governance. Nearly two-thirds of countries already use AI in diagnostics, but only 8% have a health-specific AI strategy and only 8% have standards defining liability when AI systems fail.

The Lisbon meeting is organised around three pillars: regulation and accountability, tools and infrastructure for safe deployment, and the people and institutions responsible for implementing AI in practice. Rather than promoting a single model, WHO is exploring how countries at different levels of digital development can adapt common governance principles to their own health systems.

Discussions cover legal accountability, ethics, data governance, interoperability, workforce preparation and responsible investment. Participants also stressed that effective AI governance will be essential to ensure AI narrows rather than widens inequalities between well-resourced and under-resourced health systems.

The conference also includes a meeting involving Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste. The session is intended to lay the foundations for cooperation on AI and health among Portuguese-speaking countries.

WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Kluge, said governments need a shared approach to governance, workforce training and equitable access. He warned that people are increasingly consulting generative AI chatbots about medical symptoms before speaking with healthcare professionals, highlighting the urgency of effective governance.

The conference opened with technical discussions on 13 and 14 July involving researchers, clinicians and international organisations. Ministerial sessions on 15 and 16 July are expected to translate those discussions into a practical agenda for international cooperation.

Why does it matter?

The conference reflects a growing recognition that healthcare is becoming one of the most important sectors for AI governance. As hospitals and health systems adopt AI more rapidly, governments are increasingly seeking common approaches to accountability, patient safety and regulatory oversight.

WHO’s findings also expose a widening governance gap: many countries are already deploying AI in clinical settings without dedicated strategies or clear liability frameworks. International cooperation could help countries develop compatible governance approaches while reducing inequalities in access to safe and trustworthy AI-enabled healthcare.

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India approves €13 billion Semicon 2.0 strategy

The Government of India has approved Semicon 2.0, a long-term strategy worth Rs. 1.275 trillion (approximately €13 billion) to accelerate the development of the country’s semiconductor design and manufacturing ecosystem.

Building on Semicon 1.0, the programme aims to strengthen India’s position across the semiconductor value chain through sustained public investment, industrial incentives and workforce development.

The strategy is organised around six pillars, such as semiconductor design, manufacturing equipment and materials, fabrication facilities, advanced packaging technologies, research and development, and talent development.

India plans to expand chip design capabilities, attract additional fabrication plants, encourage investment in ATMP and OSAT facilities, strengthen domestic production of critical materials and manufacturing equipment, and support the development of advanced semiconductor technologies.

The government also highlighted progress under Semicon 1.0. Twelve semiconductor manufacturing facilities have been approved with cumulative investments exceeding Rs. 1.64 trillion, covering silicon fabrication, silicon carbide, gallium nitride display manufacturing and advanced packaging. Three facilities have already entered commercial production, while additional projects are expected to become operational during 2026.

On the design side, 24 semiconductor startups have received financial support and 105 have gained access to advanced chip design tools to develop technologies for AI, IoT, telecommunications, satellite communications and smart devices.

According to the government, Semicon 2.0 is intended to strengthen India’s technological sovereignty, improve semiconductor supply chain resilience and establish the country as a globally competitive hub for semiconductor innovation, manufacturing and intellectual property.

Why does it matter?

Semicon 2.0 reflects the growing use of industrial policy to strengthen domestic semiconductor ecosystems amid global competition for advanced chip manufacturing. By investing across design, production, research and skills, India is seeking to reduce external dependencies while building long-term technological capacity.

The strategy also demonstrates that semiconductor competitiveness increasingly depends on developing the entire value chain rather than attracting fabrication plants alone. If successfully implemented, the programme could strengthen India’s position in global semiconductor supply chains while supporting wider ambitions in AI, telecommunications and advanced manufacturing.

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Illinois issues AI guidance for schools with AI-assisted drafting disclosed

The Illinois State Board of Education has published comprehensive guidance on the use of AI in schools, while also disclosing that the 409-page document was itself developed with assistance from multiple AI models alongside human review.

The guidance was prepared following legislation adopted in 2025, with contributions from education, technology and public policy experts. Initial drafts drew ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, while human reviewers edited, verified and refined the final document.

The board detailed how AI was used throughout the drafting process, including producing early text, verifying publicly available resources, creating graphics and improving clarity. It stressed that all AI-generated information was independently reviewed and verified before publication.

The guidance emphasises that AI should support teaching and learning rather than replace human relationships or educational experiences. It also offers practical recommendations for selecting AI tools and promoting responsible, ethical and transparent AI use in schools.

The guidance is intended to help Illinois schools navigate both the opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption in education.

Why does it matter?

The guidance offers schools a practical framework for integrating AI while addressing issues such as academic integrity, privacy, transparency and the reliability of AI-generated content. As more education systems adopt AI, common governance principles may help schools use the technology more consistently and responsibly.

The document is also notable for openly disclosing how AI contributed to its own development. By documenting where AI was used and emphasising independent human verification, the Illinois State Board of Education models a level of transparency that could influence how other public institutions develop AI-assisted policies and guidance.

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