Development Archives | Page 11 of 556 | Digital Watch Observatory

Indian science ministry outlines AI and quantum technology priorities

India’s Ministry of Science and Technology has outlined a strategy placing AI and quantum sovereignty at the centre of future growth, according to statements by Jitendra Singh. The announcement was made during a programme hosted by the Technology Development Board.

Minister Jitendra Singh said long-term progress in deep technology depends on a coordinated national approach. The minister linked the strategy to the Research, Development and Innovation Fund scheme, which aims to expand private-sector participation in research and innovation.

According to officials, five projects were approved under the scheme in areas including battery technology, satellite systems, healthcare, and unmanned aerial systems. Initial funding disbursement has begun, alongside the release of progress reports and outlining a national quantum safe ecosystem.

Officials said post-quantum cryptography and secure digital infrastructure are emerging priorities under the National Quantum Mission. The announcements were made during a programme hosted by the Technology Development Board in New Delhi, India.

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SAIFA project launched to support AI and high-performance computing in Serbia

The School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Belgrade has announced the launch of SAIFA, the Serbian Artificial Intelligence Factory Antenna, supported by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. According to the organisers, the project forms part of a broader EU initiative focused on interconnected AI and high-performance computing environments.

SAIFA is intended to expand access to AI and computing resources for academia, public administration, startups, and industry. It also aims to integrate national expertise into the broader European AI ecosystem through collaboration, application development, and knowledge exchange.

Project leadership highlighted SAIFA as both a continuation of ongoing work in advanced computing and a step towards stronger regional cooperation within the EU. The initiative includes partners from research, innovation, and government sectors.

A consortium of institutions, including research institutes and government bodies, will support the project’s development and implementation. The launch event and initial meeting took place in Belgrade, Serbia.

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UNESCO expands online course on AI and digital citizenship

UNESCO has launched the second edition of its free Massive Open Online Course focused on digital citizenship and AI, following the first programme, which attracted more than 23,000 registered participants.

The course, titled ‘Educating in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Digital Citizenship from the Classroom’, is expanding internationally through the introduction of a new English-language version alongside its existing Spanish programme. Classes for both versions are scheduled to begin on 15 June 2026.

UNESCO said the initiative aims to help educators, schools, and broader communities better understand how AI systems affect everyday life, democratic participation, and digital environments. According to UNESCO, the course examines algorithms, digital ethics, online behaviour, information integrity, and societal aspects of AI.

The programme covers digital citizenship topics, including disinformation, digital footprints, online participation, and protection of rights in digital spaces.

UNESCO highlighted the importance of analytical skills, critical thinking, and ethical reflection in relation to emerging technologies.

The course includes five thematic modules covering algorithms, AI in education, and the role of digital systems in communication and public discourse. Participants will engage with videos, expert discussions, case studies, and collaborative forums throughout the programme.

Why does it matter?

Educational systems globally are increasingly under pressure to prepare citizens for digital environments shaped by AI, algorithmic recommendation systems, synthetic media, and automated decision-making. Digital literacy is gradually evolving beyond technical competence into a broader set of civic, ethical, and critical thinking skills connected to democratic participation and societal resilience.

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Malta offers free ChatGPT Plus through AI literacy initiative

OpenAI and the Government of Malta have announced a partnership to provide Maltese citizens with access to ChatGPT Plus through a national AI literacy initiative.

The programme, called AI for All, will require participants to complete a course developed by the University of Malta before receiving one year of ChatGPT Plus at no cost. The course is designed to explain what AI is, what it can and cannot do, and how it can be used responsibly at home and at work.

The first phase is scheduled to launch in May, with distribution managed by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority. OpenAI said the programme will scale as more Maltese residents and citizens abroad complete the course.

OpenAI framed the partnership within its OpenAI for Countries initiative, which supports governments and institutions developing national AI adoption strategies. The company said the Malta model combines a locally designed course, access to ChatGPT Plus and a national programme intended to help citizens use AI for learning, work, creativity and public participation.

George Osborne, Head of OpenAI for Countries, said the partnership reflects a model in which national AI access is paired with skills development. Malta’s Minister for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, said the initiative is intended to help citizens build confidence and practical skills for a digital economy.

Why does it matter?

Malta’s initiative links access to advanced AI tools with structured AI literacy, rather than treating adoption as a matter of availability alone. By requiring citizens to complete training before receiving ChatGPT Plus, the programme addresses both access and responsible use. It also shows how governments may increasingly shape AI adoption through national skills programmes, partnerships with AI companies and public-facing digital capability initiatives.

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ITU Radiocommunication Bureau outlines key aspects future connectivity

ITU Radiocommunication Bureau has highlighted the critical role of radio-frequency spectrum in ensuring digital resilience, emphasising that reliable connectivity underpins essential services such as healthcare, transport and emergency communications.

According to the Bureau, resilience begins before disruption through coordinated spectrum management, international standards and regulatory frameworks. These systems enable wireless networks and satellite services to operate reliably and avoid harmful interference.

The organisation stressed that growing demand for connectivity, including 5G, satellite broadband and AI-enabled systems, increases pressure on spectrum resources. Technical standards and global coordination are therefore essential to maintain interoperability and support innovation.

ITU also pointed to the importance of satellite systems and early warning technologies in responding to climate risks and disasters. Future decisions at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 in China will further shape how resilient digital infrastructure develops globally.

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South Africa and China expand digital education ties

South Africa and China have agreed on measures to deepen cooperation in digital education, technical skills development and student mobility following bilateral talks at the World Digital Education Conference in Hangzhou.

The talks brought together South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, and China’s Vice Minister of Education, Xu Qingsen. According to SAnews, the meeting produced a framework for stronger cooperation in areas including AI, vocational training and industry-linked education pathways.

Planned measures include a structured cooperation framework on AI in education and digital transformation, as well as a Joint Technical Working Group to oversee the rollout of China-South Africa Vocational and Technical Centres across all nine South African provinces.

Both countries also committed to expanding technical and vocational education and training cooperation, aligning programmes with industrial sectors such as AI, robotics, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. Scholarship programmes are also expected to be more closely linked to South Africa’s industrial priorities, including AI, engineering, green energy and the development of TVET lecturers.

The cooperation will include expanded postgraduate study opportunities and joint research initiatives. Future short-term training programmes are expected to focus on AI governance, digital learning systems, industrial policy and digital public infrastructure, to strengthen institutional capacity across government and the post-school education sector.

Officials also highlighted the goal of linking education more directly with employment. Existing cooperation includes a partnership with Beijing Polytechnic College, where South African TVET students completed specialised training in new energy vehicles and hybrid technologies, with Chinese automaker BYD committing to provide internships and employment opportunities.

Why does it matter?

The cooperation links digital education with industrial policy, skills development and employment pathways, rather than treating AI education as a standalone technology issue. By focusing on vocational centres, scholarships, AI governance and digital public infrastructure, South Africa and China are positioning education cooperation as part of broader workforce and institutional capacity-building for the digital economy.

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UN calls for AI-driven transformation of future cities

UN organisations and urban experts have called on governments, city leaders, and the private sector to accelerate the use of AI and digital technologies to shape the future of urban life. The appeal was made during the 3rd UN Virtual Worlds Day held in Geneva.

With 70 percent of the global population expected to live in urban areas by 2050, discussions focused on the emergence of an ‘AI-enabled citiverse’ combining AI, digital twins and spatial intelligence to improve planning, infrastructure management and quality of life in cities.

Participants outlined five strategic priorities, including strengthening inclusive AI systems, improving data-driven decision-making, and ensuring responsible economic and social development. Emphasis was also placed on global cooperation and the need for common standards to guide digital urban transformation.

The conference also highlighted key risks, including governance gaps, trust and safety concerns, and widening digital divides. A joint briefing warned that the benefits of AI-driven urban systems must be distributed fairly, including to developing economies and underserved communities.

Why does it matter?

The integration of AI into urban systems signals a structural shift in how cities are designed, managed and experienced. As urbanisation accelerates globally, AI-enabled infrastructure could significantly improve efficiency, resilience and sustainability, but also risks deepening inequality if governance and access remain uneven across regions.

United Nations organisations and urban experts have called on governments, city leaders and the private sector to accelerate the use of AI and digital technologies in shaping the future of urban life. The appeal was made during the 3rd UN Virtual Worlds Day held in Geneva.

The conference also highlighted key risks such as governance gaps, trust and safety concerns, and widening digital divides. A joint briefing warned that the benefits of AI-driven urban systems must be distributed fairly, including to developing economies and underserved communities.

Why does it matter?

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Worldwide AI adoption surges, new report shows

Ireland remains one of the world’s leading markets for AI adoption, with 48.4% of its working-age population using AI tools, according to Microsoft’s Global AI Diffusion Report for the first quarter of 2026.

Microsoft said Ireland recorded a quarterly increase of 3.8 percentage points, placing it fourth globally and close to surpassing the 50% milestone. If current trends continue, Ireland could overtake Norway, which currently ranks third for AI adoption.

Globally, AI usage increased from 16.3% to 17.8% of the working-age population during the first quarter of 2026. Adoption remains uneven, with 26 economies now exceeding 30% usage, while the United Arab Emirates leads globally at 70.1%.

Regional trends show strong momentum in Asia, driven in part by improved AI capabilities for Asian languages. Microsoft said South Korea, Thailand and Japan recorded some of the greatest movement during the quarter.

At the same time, the gap between the Global North and Global South widened, with AI usage reaching 27.5% in developed regions compared with 15.4% elsewhere. Microsoft said it measures AI diffusion as the share of people aged 15 to 64 who used a generative AI product during the reported period.

Advances in AI-assisted coding also affected software development. Microsoft said global git pushes increased 78% year on year, while US software developer employment reached about 2.2 million in 2025 and was about 4% higher in March 2026 than in March 2025. The report cautions that it is still too early to determine the full labour-market impact of AI-assisted coding.

Why does it matter?

The report shows how quickly generative AI is becoming part of everyday work and digital activity, but also how uneven that adoption remains across countries and regions. If high-adoption economies continue to move faster, AI could widen existing digital and economic divides, especially where infrastructure, language support, skills and access remain weaker.

The findings also show why governments and businesses are under pressure to adapt workforce training, regulation and digital infrastructure as AI use spreads. Rising adoption may support productivity gains, but it also raises questions about who benefits, which regions fall behind and how labour markets adjust as AI tools become more embedded in software development and services.

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Australian Senate opens inquiry into AI data centres

The Australian Greens announced that the Senate has established a parliamentary inquiry into AI data centres, according to its official statement. The move follows growing concern over the rapid expansion of energy-intensive AI infrastructure and limited federal oversight.

The inquiry will examine environmental, economic and social impacts, including energy and water use, effects on communities, and the regulatory framework governing AI. It aims to better understand how these facilities influence resources and infrastructure.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said communities have raised concerns about pressure on energy supply, water availability and environmental protection. She also called for greater transparency and parliamentary scrutiny of agreements involving global technology companies.

The party warned against repeating past regulatory failures and stressed the need for accountability as AI infrastructure expands. The inquiry is expected to gather input from affected communities and stakeholders across Australia.

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UK backs stronger cooperation on AI and frontier technologies at OSCE

The UK has highlighted both the opportunities and risks linked to frontier technologies during a high-level conference organised by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Geneva.

Speaking at the event, UK Tech Envoy Sarah Spencer said AI could support early warning and early action in humanitarian crises, but could also amplify misinformation and instability if misused or deployed without adequate safeguards.

Spencer said responsible governance of frontier technologies requires partnerships between states, institutions, industry and civil society, arguing that such cooperation matters more than individual products in building inclusive, responsible and sustainable digital ecosystems.

She also highlighted the OSCE’s role in fostering dialogue on frontier technologies, reducing misunderstandings and supporting anticipatory approaches to governance. The UK said it was ready to support efforts to ensure technological progress contributes to a safer, more secure and more humane future.

The conference, titled ‘Anticipating technologies – for a safe and humane future’, brought together participants to discuss how emerging technologies are affecting security, stability and international cooperation.

Why does it matter?

The statement places AI and other frontier technologies within a security and diplomacy context, rather than treating them only as innovation issues. It highlights growing concern that emerging technologies can support humanitarian and development goals, but also create risks for misinformation, conflict escalation and strategic stability if governance and cooperation lag behind deployment.

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