Capacity development Archives | Page 312 of 314

Silicon Valley leaders discuss Côte d’Ivoire’s digital transformation

In Silicon Valley, leaders from the US Chamber, African business communities, and the governments of the US and Côte d’Ivoire gathered to discuss Côte d’Ivoire’s digital transformation. The event, which included visits to Google’s headquarters, explored opportunities for public-private collaboration and tech investment in West Africa, aiming to bridge Africa’s digital divide and foster growth for US and Ivorian businesses.

The conference emphasised the potential for US businesses to expand into Côte d’Ivoire, increase exports, and invest in the country, showcasing digital tools to help understand Africa’s market landscapes. The Ivorian Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization’s National Digital Development Strategy 2021-2025, focusing on innovation and digital trust, was a central topic. Projects like Cybastion’s national data centre and smart city centre are key components of this strategy.

Prominent speakers included Dr Eugene Aka Aoule of Côte d’Ivoire, US Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba, and Google’s Charles Murito. They highlighted initiatives like Google’s Grow with Google Program, aiming to equip businesses with digital tools. The US-Africa Business Center Vice President, Dr Guevera Yao, led a Q&A on economic development through digital transformation.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Digital Acceleration Zero Paper 2030 plan aims to leverage $600 million in investments to enhance e-government services, digital infrastructure, and broadband access. This commitment to digital transformation is echoed across the continent, with significant digital deals recently signed at the US-Kenya Business Forum, reinforcing the ongoing support for Africa’s digital growth.

Kazakhstan set to become regional digital hub with 5G rollout

Kazakhstan’s mobile operators plan to improve 5G coverage in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and other regional centres to fully roll out 5G mobile communications by the end of 2025. This was stated by the Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry, Zhaslan Madiyev, during a government meeting on 18 June chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

The Prime Minister’s press service mentioned that 1,144 base stations have been set up in 20 cities. It is projected that by the end of 2027, more than 450 billion tenge (equivalent to USD994.3 million) will be invested by mobile network providers in the telecommunications industry. Madiyev pointed out that internet usage in Kazakhstan is quickly approaching that of developed nations.

Compared to 2020, internet traffic has surged by 61.5%, while users have increased by 12.9%. Based on Ookla’s Speedtest data from April 2024, Kazakhstan ranks 66th globally in average internet speed, registering 43.6 megabits per second, outpacing countries like Russia, the Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

Senegal unveils strategy for strong digital infrastructure development

Isidore Diouf, the newly appointed Director General of Senegal Numérique SA, has pledged to prioritise the development of robust digital public infrastructure (DPI) as he takes office. Diouf aims to build on the progress made by his predecessor, Cheikh Bakhoum, to realise President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s vision of rapid digital transformation for Senegal. President Faye, who emphasised digital transformation during his campaign, has instructed his government to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure to achieve digital sovereignty.

Diouf’s agenda includes expanding Senegal’s digital economy to increase its contribution to the national GDP from the current 3.3 percent to 10 percent by 2025, as outlined in the Senegal Digital Strategy 2025. He plans to address low internet coverage, which is currently around 46 percent, and improve collaboration among government information systems. Additionally, Diouf will work on finalising the legal framework for personal data protection, digitising government services, and developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

As part of its digital transformation initiatives, Senegal Numérique recently partnered with the African Digital Development Agency (ADD) to share best practices and enhance the interoperability of government systems. That partnership aligns with Senegal’s national digital ID program, which was launched in 2022 and is a key component of the Senegal Digital Strategy 2025, which the UNDP supports. The program aims to modernise Senegal’s economy through technology, reinforcing the country’s commitment to becoming a leader in digital innovation in West Africa.

Amazon and Vrio challenge Starlink with South American satellite internet

Amazon and telecommunications firm Vrio are set to launch a satellite internet service in seven South American countries, directly competing with Elon Musk’s Starlink. Vrio, which oversees DirecTV Latin America and Sky Brasil, will offer the service in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. The initiative, utilising Amazon’s Project Kuiper, aims to provide internet access via satellites in low Earth orbit.

According to World Bank data, the partnership addresses a significant demand, as an estimated 200 million people in the region have inadequate or no internet access. The challenging geography and the high cost of large infrastructure investments further highlight the need for satellite internet. The service is scheduled to go live in mid-2025, beginning in Argentina.

Project Kuiper plans to deploy 3,236 satellites to support this endeavour, part of Amazon’s $10 billion investment announced in 2019. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all customers, regardless of their location in urban, suburban, or rural areas, have equal access to high-speed broadband.

Google’s investment in Singapore’s tech infrastructure hits $5 billion mark

Alphabet’s Google announced the completion of its data centre and cloud facilities expansion in Singapore, marking a total investment of $5 billion in the nation’s technical infrastructure. This substantial investment underscores Google’s commitment to enhancing its services in Southeast Asia. The expanded data centres, which employ over 500 people, are crucial for powering essential services like Google Search and Maps.

In addition to its efforts in Singapore, Google revealed plans last week to invest $2 billion in Malaysia to establish its first data centre in the country. The expansion into Malaysia signifies Google’s broader strategy to bolster its presence and capabilities across Southeast Asia, aiming to support the growing demand for digital services and infrastructure.

Zambia finalizes AI policy to boost copper production

The Zambian government has completed drafting a comprehensive AI policy aimed at leveraging modern technologies for the country’s development. Felix Mutati, the minister of science and technology, announced that the AI plan will be officially launched within the next two months. The initiative is seen as a crucial step towards achieving Zambia’s ambitious goal of producing 3 million tonnes of copper annually, utilising AI to enhance mineral exploration and production processes.

Copper, the cornerstone of Zambia’s economy, stands to benefit significantly from AI integration. Mutati highlighted that AI could expedite mineral exploration and create new job opportunities, thus bringing substantial economic benefits. Speaking at the Copperbelt Agricultural Mining and Industrial Networking Enterprise in Kitwe, he emphasised that AI is essential for the country’s future growth and development.

Zambia will host an AI Conference next month to prepare for an AI-driven future. The event aims to engage stakeholders and prepare the nation for the transformative impact of AI. Larry Mweetwa, the acting director for science and technology, mentioned that the government is already training its workforce in AI and will soon begin discussions with industry players to ensure effective implementation and maximum benefit from the new technology.

Google to invest $2 billion in Malaysia data centre

Google will invest $2 billion to establish its first data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia, marking a significant expansion into Southeast Asia. This investment will be located in Sime Darby Property’s Elmina Business Park in central Selangor. It aims to advance Malaysia’s digital ambitions, offering AI capabilities and other advanced technologies to enhance the local industry’s global competitiveness.

The new data centre will support services like Search, Maps, and Workspace, while the cloud centre will cater to local businesses and public sector organisations. Google’s Chief Financial Officer, Ruth Porat, emphasised the partnership’s role in fostering an ecosystem for innovation and driving digital transformation in Malaysia. This collaboration builds on a previous agreement announced last November between the Malaysian government and Google to accelerate domestic innovation.

The move is part of a broader trend of global tech giants’ significant investments in Southeast Asia. Microsoft has committed $2.2 billion to cloud services in Malaysia and $1.7 billion in Indonesia. Additionally, Malaysian conglomerate YTL is partnering with Nvidia in a $4.3 billion AI infrastructure project, while Amazon plans to invest $9 billion in Singapore, $5 billion in Thailand, and $6 billion in Malaysia.

India boosts military AI efforts amid China rivalry

India is ramping up its efforts in the field of AI, not only for commercial purposes but also for military applications, as it seeks to keep pace with its regional rival, China. A report by the Delhi Policy Group highlighted India’s annual spending on AI, estimated at around $50 million, which is dwarfed by China’s investment, surpassing 30 times that amount. Recognising the strategic importance of AI, India aims to bolster its indigenous AI capabilities to bolster its defence capabilities.

The Indian military has been actively exploring AI applications, including the recent launch of a robotic buddy designed to carry out tasks such as surveillance and supporting soldiers in rugged terrains. The Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation Group (STEAG) also spearheads research into AI and other emerging technologies to enhance modern warfare capabilities. India’s collaboration with the US on AI development further underscores its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for defence purposes.

Why does it matter?

AI holds significant potential for enhancing military intelligence, training, and education, offering insights into real-time simulations and exercises. However, concerns remain about AI technology’s ethical implications and potential misuse, including the proliferation of deepfakes and disinformation campaigns. While India boasts a strong civilian AI sector, it faces stiff competition from China’s well-funded and centralised military AI system.

As AI technology continues to evolve, India aims to play a leading role in shaping the ethical and legal frameworks governing its use in warfare and society at large. With ongoing research and investment in AI, India seeks to ensure that its military remains at the forefront of technological innovation, positioning itself as a key player in the future landscape of high-tech warfare.

Cybersecurity and Cybercrime

DiploFoundation (Diplo) is a non-profit organisation established in 2002 by the governments of Malta and Switzerland. It has offices in Malta, Switzerland, Serbia, and the USA. With the mission to increase the power of small and developing states to influence their own futures and development, Diplo’s main activities are dedicated to developing capacity, organising meetings and events, delivering courses, conducting research, publishing analyses, and experimenting with technological tools.

Over the years, Diplo has successfully trained over 7,500 alumni from 208 countries and territories, including individuals working in governments, the private and civil sectors, media, and academia.

The Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) is an initiative supported by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the Swiss Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM), and the Republic and Canton of Geneva. It is operated by Diplo.

Digital activities

The GIP engages actors, fosters meaningful dialogues on digital governance, and monitors digital policy processes in Geneva and beyond. The GIP also provides a neutral and inclusive space for digital policy debates, recognised as a platform where different views can be voiced and the risks and vulnerabilities of technology addressed.

Concretely, GIP activities are centred on two pillars: 1) the physical platform in Geneva that hosts events and delivers training and 2) the GIP Digital Watch Observatory, which monitors and tracks the latest updates, overviews, instruments, resources, events, and actors across 7 baskets of over 50 internet governance and digital policy topics, trends, and processes.

Apart from the GIP, Diplo also operates a Diplo Academy that delivers a wide range of courses primarily dedicated to diplomats and government officials; long-running courses cover subjects in internet governance, AI, cybersecurity, e-diplomacy, science diplomacy, and tech diplomacy.

Diplo hosts an AI lab that develops in-house AI solutions that can be used in research, courses, training, and other projects. Its notable projects include an AI reporting system, AI assistants, and other internal tools.
Diplo is also advancing on conferencing technologies through the ConfTech project, providing resources guiding event planners through the how-to of hosting hybrid meetings.

Digital policy issues

Artificial intelligence

Diplo’s research on and analysis of AI stretches from the most pertinent policy and governance issues to reflections on AI development in general. For instance, Diplo pooled together resources on national AI strategies and international negotiation processes on AI governance; in the Stronger Digital Voices from Africa report, Diplo also included a specific section analysing how African countries approach frontier technologies like AI. Across the seven baskets of digital issues covered by the Digital Watch Observatory, Diplo experts also highlighted the policy implications AI brings to a given issue, allowing domain experts from different fields to comprehend the impact of AI technologies.

Under the banner of HumAInism, Diplo experts also offer their timely reflections on AI development in the form of blog posts, policy briefs, and reports, exploring the nexus of governance, diplomacy, technology, philosophy, linguistics, and arts.

Specifically, in exploring the interplay of AI and diplomacy, Diplo provided detailed analyses of how AI technologies might affect the field of foreign policy and diplomacy; commissioned by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Diplo wrote a report titled Mapping AI’s challenges and opportunities for the conduct of diplomacy.

Dedicated to upskilling diplomats, students, and other professionals, Diplo Academy launched the AI Campus in 2024, containing a series of modules introducing the technical foundations, applications, governance and regulation mechanisms, and philosophical aspects of AI.

Cybersecurity

The Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace (GD) was launched in 2018 by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in cooperation with the GIP, with the support of other stakeholders. The GD maps the roles and responsibilities of non-state actors in contributing to a more secure cyberspace in the context of international peace and security. It is an ongoing process that identifies and brings together existing efforts, good practices, and possible gaps, making recommendations to overcome such gaps. It also serves as a platform in Geneva and beyond for different stakeholders to engage and discuss topics on responsible behaviour in cyberspace.

In 2023, a major achievement of the GD was the publication of the Geneva Manual on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace. Launched during a dedicated event hosted in Geneva in December 2023, the Manual offers possible guidance for the international community in advancing the implementation of existing norms and establishing good practices. The inaugural edition of the Manual focuses on two norms related to supply chain security and responsible reporting of ICT vulnerabilities. The Geneva Dialogue and Geneva Manual were included in the written and verbal statements to the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on the security of and in the use of information and communications technologies in December 2023. From January 2024, the GD focuses on the existing norms and confidence-building measures (CBMs) related to critical infrastructure protection.

Capacity development

As per Diplo’s stated mission to support small and developing states in participating in digital policy negotiations and discussions, Diplo develops and hosts a wide range of training, courses, and events in both Geneva and across the world. The Geneva office is Diplo’s main outreach post where Diplo engages with diplomatic communities in the International Geneva. Diplo hosts monthly briefings for Geneva-based diplomats who cover science, technology and innovation issues; its in-house experts dissect the most recent digital policy negotiation processes and provide space for diplomats to ask questions and form opinions. Diplo also partakes in multiple events in and around Geneva, supporting other diplomatic or international organisation actors with its network of experts in the fields of cybersecurity, AI, digital infrastructure, data governance, digital economy, etc.

From 2023 to 2024, Diplo, with the support of the United States Mission to International Organizations to Geneva, ran the Policy Meets Tech series to help bridge gaps between technology and policy in digital governance. Dedicated to missions of small and developing countries, the series included events in which experts ‘opened the black box’ of technical subjects like the internet, AI, quantum computing, virtual reality, satellites, and cryptography.

In the lead-up to the UN Summit of the Future and the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, Diplo delivered two rounds of training on digital governance issues for New York-based diplomats and hosted a two-day expert-guided diplomatic dialogue in Geneva to facilitate honest and transparent exchanges of information and opinions among diplomats, providing both background information of the GDC and clarifying technical details.

Apart from more Geneva-based and globally-focused events, Diplo also delivers more country-tailored training on demand; taking requests from governments all over the world, Diplo curates a series of activities and lectures for diplomats or governmental officials according to their needs. For instance, with the support of various partners, Diplo has long been building digital governance capacities in the Caribbean and African regions.
Lastly, Diplo Academy is Diplo’s online learning platform, offering a wide range of courses covering different facets of diplomacy and the most topical digital policy domains. The faculty consists of high-ranking practising and retired diplomats, as well as renowned academics in the fields of digital policy, diplomacy, and international relations. Since 1994, Diplo Academy has run more than 500 courses and trained more than 7500 alumni from 208 countries working in governments, civil society, the private sector, media, and academia.

Digital tools

AI assistants

Believing in walking the talk, Diplo experiments with digital technologies and builds its own AI tools for research and educational purposes. Its AI lab has developed DiploAI, a domain-specific AI system that was fine-tuned for diplomatic and policy-relevant texts; it enables Diplo researchers to build customisable AI assistants for courses, diplomatic training, and research. For example, using the retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) technique, a Diplo researcher is able to customise an AI assistant based on a third-party large language model (LLM) by providing the latter with a curated dataset trained on global digital governance documents and various countries’ official statements. Diplo’s guiding principles in building such assistants are grounded in the pursuit of AI solutions that are open-source, inherently bottom-up, and traceable by showing the basis on which AI assistants generate answers.

Diplo also implements the same principles when incorporating smart searching features into its main website (diplomacy.edu); on the site, a publicly available AI assistant takes users’ queries and guides them to the right Diplo resources.

Conferencing technologies

In experimenting with AI tools to meet the diplomatic needs of reporting from events and meetings, Diplo takes conferencing technologies to another level. During a UN Security Council special session, Diplo deployed its human-AI hybrid system, generating just-in-time reports of country statements and key questions. The hybrid system leverages AI’s real-time transcription and summarisation capability along with human quality control. The system has been tested during larger international conferences and events, such as the 78th UN General Assembly, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023, the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) eWeek 2023, and the World Economic Forum 2024.

Digital footprint

Started as a mapping exercise to understand the significance of major Geneva actors’ digital presence in the world, the Geneva Digital Footprint application shows the visibility of more than 200 Geneva-based actors on Google’s search engine. The application evaluates how visible Geneva-based actors’ website domains are in 50 cities worldwide as users enter 500 plus keywords pertinent to the digital policy discussions, such as trade, healthcare, emerging technologies, humanitarian aid, etc. The application is updated frequently, its rich repertoire of data serving as a basis for the 9th Geneva Engage Awards and other analyses on Geneva’s overall importance in the field of digital.

Colour of flags

Diplo’s AI lab developed a simple game of guessing the pattern of the country flag colour compositions and generating new flags for countries based on such patterns. The game is developed to show the logic behind AI algorithms, which are broadly based on ‘probabilistic calculations’ and ‘pattern recognition’, in the simplest way possible to reduce barriers for non-technical background diplomats and policymakers who must negotiate about the governance of AI technologies. The Colour of Flags is physically playable as a card-based board game and digitally available as well.

Other tools

For more of Diplo’s publicly available tools, please check the AI and Technology page under HumAInism.

Social media channels

Facebook @DiploFoundation

Instagram @diplofoundation

LinkedIn @diplofoundation

X @DiplomacyEdu

YouTube @DiploFoundation

Monthly newsletter @ https://www.diplomacy.edu/subscribe/

Contact @ geneva@diplomacy.edu

Germany and Namibia, co-facilitators of the Summit of the Future, publish zero draft of the Pact for the Future

On 26 January 2024, Germany and Namibia – co-facilitators of the Summit of the Future – announced the release of the zero draft of the Pact for the Future. The zero draft tackles digital issues in the chapeau and in two subsequent chapters: international peace and security, and science, technology, innovation and digital cooperation.

1. Chapeau

The paragraph on peace and security notes that member states would act collectively to maintain and restore international peace and security on land, at sea, in space, in cyberspace and other emerging domains. They would also take concrete steps to avoid the misuse of emerging domains and new technologies.

The paragraph on science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation includes a commitment from member states to strengthen digital cooperation and harness the potential of science, technology and innovation for the benefit of all humanity. Member states also reiterate their commitments for an open, free, secure, inclusive and human-centred digital future. They further commit to ensuring that new technologies are shaped in ways that are human-centred, reflect universal human values and protect the planet.

1. International peace and security

A sub-section in the chapter dedicated to peace and security focuses on ’emerging domains and new technology’ and proposes a series of commitments from member states:

Commitment to developing international norms, rules and principles to address threats to space systems, and launching negotiations on a treaty to ensure peace, security and the prevention of an arms race in outer space.
Commitment to be guided – in the use of ICTs – by agreed norms of responsible state behaviour.
Commitment to concluding a legally binding instrument to prohibit lethal autonomous weapons systems that function without human control or oversight, and which cannot be used in compliance with international humanitarian law, and to regulate all other types of autonomous weapons systems.
Commitment to strengthening oversight mechanisms for the use of data-driven technology, including AI, to support the maintenance of international peace and security.
Commitment to developing norms, rules and principles on the design, development and use of military applications of AI through a multilateral process, while also ensuring engagement with other stakeholders.
Commitment to exploring measures to address the risks involved in biotechnology and human enhancement technology applied to the military domain.

2. Science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation

Echoing to some extent the provisions of the UN General Assembly Resolution on science, technology and innovation for sustainable development (A/RES/78/160) and the Political declaration adopted at the 2023 SDG Summit (A/RES/78/1), this section acknowledges the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in advancing sustainable development. Among other provisions, member states:

Undertake to increase the use of science and scientific evidence in policymaking.
Reiterate the need to accelerate the transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries on favourable terms.
Commit to addressing barriers to equal access for women and girls to STI.
Commit to addressing structural impediments to accessing new and emerging technologies, including by scaling up the use of open science, affordable and open-source technology, research and development.
Aim to increase funding for research and innovation related to SDGs and build capacities in all regions to contribute to and benefit from such research.
Call upon the UN system to support the efforts of developing countries to develop and strengthen their national STI ecosystems.

The zero draft also notes that the Global Digital Compact – developed and negotiated in a separate process – is to be annexed to the Pact for the Future.

The co-facilitators have also published a roadmap outlining the next steps towards the Summit of the Future in September 2024.

29 January 2024 | Presentation of the zero draft
By 12 February 2024 | Submission of written input by member states
6–9 February 2024 | First reading of the zero draft
21 February 2024 | Virtual consultations with Major Groups and other Stakeholders (MGoS) and civil society
21–23 February, 26–28 February, 4–6 March 2024 | Second reading