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UNESCO backs new AI law and sustainability chair in Singapore

UNESCO has welcomed the launch of a new Chair in AI Law and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore’s Centre for International Law, aimed at advancing research and policy on AI governance, the rule of law and sustainable AI development.

Led by inaugural Chairholder Dr Jon Truby, the initiative will promote research, policy guidance and regional cooperation on AI governance, the rule of law and the environmental impact of AI systems.

Truby said governments face the challenge of adopting AI without weakening accountability in public decision-making. He argued that people should know when AI is used, understand decisions affecting them, challenge those decisions and have access to effective remedies when systems cause harm.

The Chair will also examine AI’s physical infrastructure, including energy use, carbon emissions, water consumption, data centres, hardware and electronic waste. According to Truby, responsible AI governance must address these impacts throughout the technology’s lifecycle.

International legal issues will also be a priority, including state responsibility, liability, due diligence, cross-border harms and international cooperation. Truby said governments should prepare for potential AI-related emergencies as they do for other global crises.

Based at NUS, the Chair intends to strengthen Asia’s contribution to global AI norms. Its work will address regional concerns including access to computing hardware, language diversity, data sovereignty, public services, climate vulnerability and differences in regulatory capacity.

The initiative’s ASEAN Network Series will bring together scholars, officials and institutions across the region. Visiting researcher programmes, support for junior scholars and open-access publications are intended to broaden participation in debates on AI law and sustainability.

Truby described UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence as a bridge between ethical principles and enforceable legal frameworks. He said implementation should include clear institutional responsibilities, auditing mechanisms, avenues for redress and assessments of AI’s contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Over the coming years, the Chair plans to produce policy briefs, research publications, workshops, conferences and open-access resources for governments, regulators, international organisations and legal professionals. Its work will also connect with the International Law Association Committee on AI and Technology Law.

In the longer term, the Chair aims to position AI sovereignty, diplomacy and sustainability as core elements of AI governance. Truby argued that effective regulation will depend on who controls AI infrastructure, whose values shape technical standards and how environmental impacts are managed throughout the AI lifecycle.

Why does it matter?

The new Chair strengthens Asia’s role in shaping international AI governance by linking legal accountability with environmental sustainability. As governments move from developing AI principles to implementing enforceable rules, research that connects law, technology and sustainability is likely to play an increasingly important role.

The initiative also reflects a broader shift in AI governance. Rather than focusing only on ethics or innovation, policymakers are increasingly addressing AI’s environmental footprint, cross-border legal implications and institutional accountability as interconnected challenges requiring international cooperation.

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EU expands cybersecurity and resilience support for Armenia

The Council of the EU has officially launched the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia), a new civilian mission under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) that will help strengthen the country’s resilience against hybrid threats, including cyberattacks and disinformation.

The advisory mission, established in April 2026 at the request of the Armenian government, will initially operate for two years.

EUPM Armenia will provide strategic advice, technical expertise and institutional capacity-building in areas including cybersecurity, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), and illicit financial flows.

The mission will also establish a dedicated project cell to deliver targeted assistance while promoting a whole-of-government approach to tackling hybrid threats. The Council stressed that the mission is advisory in nature and will not participate in Armenia’s national decision-making.

According to the Council, the mission forms part of the EU’s broader strategy to strengthen Armenia’s resilience, democratic institutions and security capabilities while fully respecting the country’s sovereignty and ownership.

The mission follows the adoption of the EU-Armenia Strategic Agenda in December 2025, which identified countering hybrid threats and disinformation as key priorities for bilateral cooperation. Cosmin George Dinescu has been appointed Head of Mission.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas described the deployment as part of a broader package of political and economic support for Armenia. She said the mission would help strengthen Armenia’s ability to respond to cyber threats, disinformation and illicit financial flows while increasing its resilience to external pressure.

Why does it matter?

The launch of EUPM Armenia reflects the EU’s growing focus on civilian security and resilience alongside traditional defence cooperation. By providing expertise on cybersecurity, disinformation and institutional resilience rather than military assistance, the mission illustrates how the EU is increasingly addressing hybrid threats through governance, capacity-building and technical cooperation.

The mission also highlights the expanding role of cybersecurity and information resilience in international partnerships. As hybrid threats become more sophisticated, governments are placing greater emphasis on strengthening institutions and public-sector capabilities before crises emerge rather than responding after attacks occur.

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UNCTAD launches global consumer product safety framework

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has officially launched the United Nations Principles for Consumer Product Safety, providing countries with the first globally agreed framework to strengthen product safety, improve market surveillance and enhance international cooperation.

The launch took place during a meeting in Geneva attended by more than 400 participants from over 80 countries, where governments, regulators and international organisations discussed emerging challenges in consumer protection, competition policy and digital markets.

The Principles, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2025, are intended to help countries respond to increasingly complex global supply chains and the rapid growth of digital marketplaces.

UNCTAD also announced plans to publish a practical Handbook on Consumer Product Safety to support their implementation. Participants stressed that product safety is essential for consumer confidence and that stronger international cooperation is needed as product risks increasingly cross national borders.

Participants also discussed wider consumer protection and competition issues, including the impact of digital markets, cross-border e-commerce and concentrated supply chains.

They called for stronger international cooperation and regulatory frameworks capable of keeping pace with technological change while supporting innovation and consumer trust.

The meeting also launched the Voluntary Peer Review of Argentina’s consumer protection framework, reinforcing UNCTAD’s role in supporting member states through policy advice, technical assistance and the exchange of best practices.

Participants reaffirmed that international dialogue remains essential to ensuring markets remain fair, competitive, and safe during a period of growing global economic uncertainty.

Why does it matter?

The UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety establish a common international reference point for governments seeking to strengthen consumer protection in increasingly global and digital markets. As products are traded through complex international supply chains and online marketplaces, shared principles can help improve market surveillance, regulatory cooperation and consumer confidence.

The initiative also reflects a broader trend towards international coordination on digital commerce and consumer protection. By providing a common framework rather than legally binding rules, the Principles give countries greater guidance while encouraging more consistent approaches to product safety across jurisdictions.

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ENISA introduces cybersecurity assessment tool for SMEs

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has introduced a Cyber Resilience Maturity Assessment Model to help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) strengthen cybersecurity and prepare for the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). The framework offers a structured way for organisations to assess their current cyber resilience, identify weaknesses and improve product security over time.

Designed primarily for manufacturers of products with digital elements, the framework provides a structured way for organisations to assess their cyber resilience, identify weaknesses and improve product security over time. It evaluates five areas, such as governance, risk management, vulnerability management, product lifecycle management and cybersecurity skills.

Businesses are classified as having basic, intermediate or advanced cybersecurity maturity. A downloadable assessment tool allows organisations to track progress through repeated self-assessments, although ENISA notes that achieving a higher maturity level does not replace compliance with the CRA.

Alongside the framework, ENISA published the results of a survey of 194 organisations across 31 countries. While 66% of respondents were aware of the CRA, many said they had only a limited understanding of its practical requirements. Medium-sized companies generally demonstrated stronger cybersecurity maturity than micro-enterprises, with incident response and product lifecycle management emerging as the weakest areas.

More than 70% of SMEs said they needed practical support, including technical guidance and secure development templates. Respondents also cited limited budgets, staff and time as major barriers to compliance, prompting ENISA to recommend targeted guidance, financial support and stronger outreach to smaller businesses.

Why does it matter?

SMEs make up a large share of Europe’s digital economy and supply chains, yet many lack the resources needed to meet increasingly demanding cybersecurity requirements. ENISA’s maturity model gives organisations a practical way to assess their readiness, strengthen product security and prepare for compliance with the Cyber Resilience Act.

The findings also highlight that regulation alone is unlikely to improve cybersecurity. Smaller businesses will need practical guidance, technical support and investment to meet new standards, making implementation as important as the legislation itself.

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Saudi Arabia launches AI tool for national data insights

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning has launched the beta version of INSAIGHTS, an agentic AI tool integrated into the Data Saudi Platform. The system is designed to improve how users access, analyse, and interact with national economic and social data.

INSAIGHTS allows users to convert questions into instant insights and analytics by drawing on more than 7,500 indicators available through the platform. The tool aims to support decision-makers, researchers, analysts and the public with faster access to reliable information for data-driven decisions.

The launch forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider digital transformation agenda under Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program. The Ministry plans to continue expanding the tool’s capabilities while using emerging technologies to improve transparency, innovation and user experiences across its digital ecosystem.

Why does it matter?

The INSAIGHTS highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing focus on AI as a tool to improve public data accessibility and strengthen evidence-based decision-making. By combining AI capabilities with extensive national datasets, the platform could help organisations and individuals extract insights more efficiently.

The initiative also demonstrates how governments are increasingly adopting agentic AI systems to enhance digital services and economic planning. As the technology develops, platforms like INSAIGHTS may become important models for using AI to improve transparency, research capabilities and public-sector innovation.

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Europe expands tech scaleup funding with ETCI 2.0

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, EU governments and private institutional investors have launched the second phase of the European Tech Champions Initiative (ETCI), aiming to mobilise up to €80 billion for Europe’s technology scaleups.

Known as ETCI 2.0, the initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s late-stage investment ecosystem by creating a pan-European platform that helps highly innovative companies scale into global technology leaders. The announcement was made in Brussels on the sidelines of the ECOFIN meeting of EU finance ministers.

The first phase, launched in 2023, backed 15 mega-funds investing in European startups and contributed to the emergence of 12 EU-based unicorns. ETCI 2.0 will expand both the size and scope of the initiative with continued backing from EU governments and new participation from private institutional investors.

The new initiative aims to raise up to €15 billion, around four times the size of the original fund of funds, and is expected to mobilise as much as €80 billion in investment for more than 1,500 European scaleups.

The EIB Group plans to invest up to €1.25 billion into the fund. Final contributions from participating governments and investors are expected to be determined in the second half of 2026 during the initiative’s first closing.

For the first time, ETCI 2.0 will support both European mega-funds and mid-sized growth funds managing more than €300 million in assets. The initiative is expected to anchor more than 100 funds, including up to 45 mega-funds making average investments of around €200 million per company.

Private investors joining the initiative include AltamarCAM, Azimut Holding, Banco Santander, BBVA, Compagnia di San Paolo, Danske Bank and Green Arrow Capital, with more investors expected to join later.

The initiative will also establish a pan-European investment platform providing investors with access to European technology funds, market intelligence and ecosystem insights, supported by a dedicated digital engagement tool.

ETCI 2.0 is designed to complement national and European initiatives, including France’s Tibi initiative, Germany’s WIN initiative and the Scaleup Europe Fund. The EIB said the aim is to build a more federated European investment ecosystem and help European tech companies remain anchored in Europe.

Why does it matter?

Europe has long struggled to provide sufficient late-stage financing for high-growth technology companies, with many scaleups seeking capital from US investors or relocating abroad as they expand. ETCI 2.0 is designed to address that gap by combining public and private investment to strengthen Europe’s own growth capital ecosystem.

The initiative also reflects the EU’s broader push for technological sovereignty and economic competitiveness. By helping innovative companies remain headquartered and financed in Europe, ETCI 2.0 aims to retain strategic technologies, talent and intellectual property while building globally competitive European firms.

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Greece launches digital university examination system

The Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) have launched a large-scale digital examination system to modernise university assessments and accelerate the digital transformation of higher education.

Backed by a €1.2 million investment, the project in Greece provides 2,730 tablets equipped with dedicated examination software, enabling students to complete university exams electronically.

The system has already been used by more than 8,000 students across 27 departments and 165 undergraduate courses, demonstrating the growing adoption of digital assessments. The tablets support multiple-choice questions, essay responses, mathematical calculations, diagrams and other discipline-specific examination formats.

According to the Ministry, the initiative reduces grading time, speeds up the publication of results, lowers administrative workloads for academic staff and cuts paper consumption across roughly 5,000 courses and more than 50,000 student examinations each year.

To protect academic integrity, the tablets operate exclusively on a dedicated wireless network that restricts access to authorised users and blocks external internet connections during examinations.

Officials described the initiative as part of Greece’s broader digital transformation strategy, aimed at improving higher education while equipping universities and students with modern digital tools.

Why does it matter?

The initiative illustrates how digital transformation is extending beyond public administration into higher education. By digitising examinations, universities can improve efficiency, reduce administrative burdens and provide faster feedback while maintaining secure assessment processes.

The project also highlights the growing role of digital infrastructure in education. As universities increasingly adopt digital tools for teaching, assessment and administration, secure and scalable systems will become an important part of modern higher education across Europe.

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Philippines uses AI and satellites to strengthen food security

The Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Statistics Authority are partnering to use AI and satellite technology to improve agricultural data collection, strengthen national food security and support more informed policymaking. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that enhanced data sharing between the two agencies would enable policymakers to make more informed decisions on food production, logistics and supply.

The Philippine Statistics Authority has begun piloting AI and satellite imagery to estimate crop production, building on approaches already used in several countries. National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the technology would become more accurate as the Department of Agriculture expands field verification to validate satellite-generated data. The agencies also agreed to broaden the use of digital technologies in agricultural statistics and strengthen the capacity of local government units.

Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel also renewed calls to rebuild the department’s network of agricultural extension workers, describing them as its missing ‘boots on the ground’. Expanding the field workforce would support near real-time data collection, improve production forecasts and enable faster responses to challenges affecting farmers and fisherfolk. He also welcomed this year’s national census, saying updated population data would improve food demand forecasting.

The partnership aims to shift the Department of Agriculture from reactive to proactive food security management. Updated agricultural and population data will help the government better estimate future food demand, refine production targets and improve budget planning. According to Tiu Laurel, data should help policymakers anticipate future challenges rather than simply document past events in the Philippines.

Why does it matter?

The initiative illustrates how AI and Earth observation technologies are becoming practical tools for agricultural governance. More timely and accurate data can help governments improve production planning, respond more quickly to climate-related disruptions and strengthen long-term food security.

The partnership also highlights that digital transformation depends on both technology and institutional capacity. By combining AI, satellite imagery and field verification through agricultural extension workers, the Philippines is seeking to build a more reliable and responsive agricultural information system that could serve as a model for other countries facing similar food security challenges.

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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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AI for Good Global Summit 2026 concludes with a focus on implementation

The AI for Good Global Summit concluded after four days of discussions highlighting the practical deployment of AI across healthcare, agriculture, mobility, education, creative industries and public policy.

The programme also explored the technologies and infrastructure supporting AI deployment, including quantum technologies, robotics, international standards and digital infrastructure.

The closing programme featured the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge Grand Finale 2026, an ITU-led UN robotics competition for young people aged 10 to 18. Teams from more than 50 countries competed over four days to develop robotic solutions addressing this year’s theme of food security.

Venezuela won both competition categories, with participants using open-source software and hardware to design, build and programme robots focused on food security.

The final day also featured discussions on AI governance, standards and inclusion. A morning panel examined the underrepresentation of women in AI development and decision-making, bringing together representatives from standards bodies, industry, civil society, telecommunications and ITU networks.

Speakers argued that gender equity should be treated as a core element of AI standardisation rather than a secondary consideration, linking women’s leadership to education, research, technical standards and institutional decision-making.

Youth engagement remained another key theme. In the Youth Zone, participants took part in an AI safety challenge in which they role-played as developers designing safeguards for new AI applications, exploring security principles, ethical risks and responsible AI governance.

The AI for Good Global Summit also explored longer-term questions about AI, culture and education. Futurist Ray Kurzweil discussed the future trajectory of AI, while Arizona State University President Michael Crow and musician will.i.am, ITU Goodwill Ambassador for the AI Skills Coalition, examined AI’s growing role in education and future workforce skills.

The Centre Stage programme concluded with a presentation by Galaxy Corporation CEO Yong-ho Choi on the convergence of AI, robotics and entertainment, including a performance featuring both humans and robots.

The 2026 AI for Good Global Summit concluded with a clear message that the future of AI depends not only on technological progress but also on standards, skills, inclusion and international cooperation to support responsible deployment.

Why does it matter?

The 2026 AI for Good Global Summit reflected a broader shift in AI governance from discussing high-level principles to addressing implementation. Across healthcare, education, robotics, standards and digital infrastructure, the focus was increasingly on how AI can be deployed responsibly in practice rather than whether it should be adopted.

The summit also highlighted the growing importance of international standards, youth engagement and inclusive participation in shaping AI’s future. By bringing together governments, industry, researchers and civil society, the event reinforced the view that responsible AI will depend as much on cooperation and capacity-building as on technological innovation.

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