Development Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

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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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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ILO and EU deepen cooperation on AI and jobs

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Commission have reaffirmed their strategic partnership, agreeing to strengthen cooperation on social justice, quality jobs and the human-centred governance of AI and digital transformation.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, demographic shifts and rapid technological change, the two organisations committed to ensuring that global transitions create inclusive labour markets and resilient economies.

Co-chaired by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, the meeting agreed on a renewed cooperation agenda building on the 2021 Exchange of Letters between the two institutions.

Both organisations stressed that multilateral cooperation, international labour standards and social dialogue remain essential for addressing the challenges and opportunities created by AI, digitalisation and broader economic transformation.

AI and its impact on the future of work featured prominently in the discussions. Participants agreed that AI governance should remain human-centred, supporting the creation and preservation of decent jobs while strengthening labour market institutions.

The partners also highlighted the importance of international cooperation on AI governance, workforce skills and policies that help workers adapt to technological change rather than be displaced by it.

The meeting also covered trade, international partnerships and sustainable development. The ILO and the European Commission reaffirmed that trade policies should uphold international labour standards and improve working conditions throughout global supply chains.

They also agreed to deepen cooperation by combining the EU’s financial and policy instruments with the ILO’s expertise on labour standards, social protection, skills development and just transitions, reinforcing their shared objective of building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economies.

Why does it matter?

The renewed partnership highlights how AI governance is becoming closely linked with employment and social policy. Rather than treating AI solely as a technology issue, the EU and ILO are framing it as a labour market challenge that requires international cooperation, workforce development and strong social protections.

The agreement also reinforces the growing role of international organisations in shaping a human-centred approach to AI. As governments seek to harness AI for economic growth, ensuring that technological change supports decent work, skills development and social inclusion is becoming an increasingly important part of global AI governance.

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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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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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