Development Archives | Page 3 of 538 | Digital Watch Observatory

Azerbaijan advances digital diplomacy agenda

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan has highlighted the growing role of AI and digital technologies in diplomacy, according to an official publication. The discussion reflects wider efforts to modernise diplomatic practices.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan emphasised that digital tools are increasingly shaping communication, policy coordination and international engagement. AI is seen as part of this evolving diplomatic environment.

The publication underlines the importance of adapting institutional frameworks and skills to keep pace with technological changes such as AI developments. This includes strengthening digital capabilities within diplomatic services.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan presents these developments as part of broader efforts to integrate digital innovation into foreign policy in Azerbaijan.

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China science groups release global AI governance initiative

A global AI governance initiative jointly drafted by 16 organisations, including the Chinese Association for AI, has been released under the organisation of the China Science and Technology Policy Research Association.

According to the text, the initiative calls for an open, fair, inclusive, and effective global AI governance system. Its main elements include ensuring benefits and improving livelihoods, maintaining security and preventing risks, upholding fairness, promoting balanced development, encouraging exchange and mutual learning, and building consensus.

Speakers cited in the release said rapid advances in AI are creating governance pressures that existing frameworks struggle to address. Liang Zheng, deputy secretary-general of the China Institute for Science and Technology Policy and director of the Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University, said governance is not keeping pace with technological development and pointed to widening capability gaps between countries, as well as difficulties in building broader governance consensus.

The text also highlights risks linked to newer AI systems and agents. Cui Yong, a full professor at Tsinghua University, deputy director of the Network Technology Institute, council member of the China Communications Standards Association, and co-chair of the Internet Engineering Task Force Softwire Working Group on IPv6 transition, said AI agents are raising new governance concerns.

Yong said those concerns include responsibility for autonomous machine decision-making, the use of agents in crimes, including telecom fraud, and cross-border data leakage and privacy infringements linked to multi-agent interconnection.

The initiative is presented as drawing on the professional, neutral, and cross-border role of science and technology associations. The release says such bodies can help support evidence-based rulemaking, international exchange, participation in standard-setting, and talent development across both technical and governance fields.

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Hong Kong and China cyberspace authority sign AI and blockchain cooperation deal

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee, met the Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Zhuang Rongwen, in Hong Kong to discuss cooperation in innovation and technology.

During the meeting, officials from the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and the CAC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on innovation and technology development. The agreement covers areas including AI, cross-border data flow and blockchain.

The MOU aims to support the development of Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre. It also focuses on strengthening cybersecurity cooperation and promoting the digital economy through technological development.

Officials said the agreement aligns with China’s national development plans and supports Hong Kong’s integration into broader economic strategies. It also highlights plans to enhance international exchanges and technology-driven economic growth.

The Chief Executive said Hong Kong will continue to expand its role as a technology and investment hub under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework. The CAC said the partnership will support long-term innovation and development goals.

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Canada launches hybrid AI weather model

Environment and Climate Change Canada has announced the launch of a hybrid AI weather forecasting model aimed at improving predictions of severe weather. The system combines AI with traditional physics-based forecasting methods.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the model uses AI to analyse large datasets while relying on established models to account for local weather factors such as temperature, wind and precipitation. This combination is expected to improve forecast accuracy.

The department states the system will enhance performance across all forecast timeframes and provide earlier warnings of major weather events. In some cases, forecasts could identify large systems more than 24 hours earlier than current capabilities.

Environment and Climate Change Canada said the model has been extensively tested alongside existing systems and will support better preparedness and public safety as extreme weather events increase in Canada.

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US expands AI focus in schools

The US Department of Education has introduced a new supplemental priority focused on advancing AI in education, published in the Federal Register. The measure is intended for use in discretionary grant programmes.

According to the US Department of Education, the priority and related definitions may be applied across current and future funding competitions. The Secretary can adopt all or part of the priority depending on programme needs.

The initiative builds on earlier supplemental priorities covering areas such as literacy, educational choice, meaningful learning and workforce readiness. It forms part of a broader framework guiding federal education funding in the US.

Why does it matter?

The new priority will take effect in May 2026, expanding the role of AI in US education policy and grant allocation. This is a global shift in which AI is playing a more prominent role in education.

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Microsoft launches MPowerHer programme to upskill women in AI and tech in Singapore

Microsoft has launched the MPowerHer initiative in Singapore to support women in building AI and digital skills through training, mentorship, and career pathways. The programme is delivered with partners including SG Women in Tech, Mums@Work, and Code; Without Barriers.

The initiative was officially launched by Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, Rahayu Mahzam, at Microsoft Public Sector Solutions Day. It aims to support women across different life and career stages, including those returning to work after a career break.

MPowerHer combines foundational AI training with practical, team-based projects and career support. It also provides access to mentorship networks and community programmes designed to help participants move into employment or entrepreneurship.

The programme includes training in AI fundamentals, Microsoft Copilot, AI agents, and low-code and no-code tools. It is open to members of national communities such as SG Women in Tech, Mums@Work, and Code; Without Barriers, as well as other women across Singapore.

Microsoft Singapore Managing Director Wee Luen Chia said the initiative focuses on ensuring women are included in the AI-driven workforce. He added that it supports inclusive skills development and prepares participants for opportunities in the digital economy.

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UNESCO to unveil AI in education observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean

UNESCO will launch the Observatory on AI in Education for Latin America and the Caribbean at a high-level event during the 2026 Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, organised by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The observatory is intended to support states in integrating AI into education systems across the region. UNESCO says the initiative is being developed with regional and international partners, including the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, the National Centre for AI of Chile, the Regional Center for Studies on the Development of the Information Society of Brazil, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

UNESCO describes the observatory as a regional cooperation platform bringing together knowledge production, institutional strengthening, and technical assistance in response to the growing use of AI in teaching, learning, and educational management. Its work covers research and policy, capacity development, innovation, and regional collaboration.

The organisation says the observatory will support comparative analysis, identify opportunities and risks, and assist in the design of regulatory frameworks, national strategies, and pilot initiatives. It also presents the launch as a coordination space for ministries of education, universities, research centres, the technology sector, civil society, and multilateral organisations.

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ILO warns of protection gaps as labour markets undergo rapid change

The International Labour Organization has called for a significant strengthening of social protection systems, warning that existing frameworks are failing to keep pace with rapidly changing labour markets.

A new report highlights widespread gaps in coverage, adequacy, and financing that leave millions of workers vulnerable.

The publication urges Member States to extend protection to all forms of employment, including temporary, part-time, self-employed, and informal work. It also stresses that benefits must be more comprehensive, supporting individuals through key life and work transitions such as unemployment, illness, and retirement.

Sustainable financing is identified as a central requirement, with the ILO pointing to social security contributions, progressive taxation, and targeted public subsidies as key tools. International solidarity is also noted as important for countries with limited fiscal capacity.

Why does it matter?

The report concludes that strong social protection systems are essential for resilience in a world shaped by climate change, technological disruption, and demographic pressures, helping ensure social stability and fairer labour market transitions.

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EU approves Italian State aid to support graphene-based photonic chip development

The European Commission has approved a €211 million Italian State aid measure to support the development of photonic chips based on graphene technology.

A funding will be provided to the Italian SME CamGraPhIC, with project activities taking place in Pisa and Bergamo.

Such an initiative focuses on optical transceivers that transmit data using light rather than electrons. The use of graphene instead of silicon is expected to enhance performance and energy efficiency across sectors such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace and defence.

The Commission assessed the measure under the EU State aid rules and concluded that the funding is necessary, proportionate and aligned with research and innovation objectives. It also found that the project would not proceed without public support, demonstrating an incentive effect.

A decision that reflects broader EU efforts to strengthen semiconductor capabilities and support advanced digital technologies through targeted public investment and regulatory oversight.

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UK government applies AI to improve efficiency in transport policy consultations

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has introduced generative AI tools to speed up the analysis of public consultations, significantly reducing time and operational costs. Managing 55 consultations yearly, the department often handles over 100,000 responses per process, previously requiring months of manual review.

A new Consultation Analysis Tool, built with Google Cloud and the Alan Turing Institute, processes large datasets within hours using advanced AI. The system identifies key themes with up to 90% accuracy, enabling faster policy responses while delivering estimated annual savings of £4 million.

Beyond consultation analysis, the department has expanded its use of AI across infrastructure planning and public communication. Cloud-based tools support sustainable transport decisions and help draft public inquiry responses by retrieving policy data and generating structured replies.

Human oversight remains central to the framework. AI-generated outputs are reviewed for accuracy, fairness, and bias, ensuring that final decisions stay with policy experts while maintaining transparency and public trust in government processes.

At a wider level, this reflects how AI can strengthen evidence-based policymaking, improve administrative efficiency, and free up expert capacity for higher-value decision-making, provided that transparency, accountability, and human oversight remain embedded in the process.

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