Digital cooperation Archives | Digital Watch Observatory

Canada and Finland set out sovereign technology and AI cooperation agenda

Canada and Finland have issued a joint statement setting out a new phase of bilateral cooperation focused on Arctic and maritime issues, defence and resilience, and advanced technologies, including sovereign technology, AI, quantum computing, and high-performance computing.

The statement says the two countries met in Ottawa to advance bilateral cooperation amid strategic competition and an emerging international order.

On technology, the statement welcomes a Canada–Finland joint statement on sovereign technology and AI cooperation, aimed at expanding collaboration on advanced technologies that deliver shared economic benefits.

It also says the two countries will deepen coordination to strengthen sovereign technology, grow capacity, and reduce dependencies in what it describes as an increasingly contested digital landscape. Finland’s participation in the Sovereign Technology Alliance is also to be explored.

The two governments also say they will collaborate on research and innovation in high-performance computing and AI, including support for AI adoption across industry and government and the identification of investment opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The statement adds that they will continue cooperation on network communication technologies that will underpin sovereign AI infrastructure and promote opportunities for their telecommunications industries through multilateral initiatives, including the Global Coalition on Telecommunications.

The text also refers to AI gigafactories, facilities designed to provide the computing power needed to develop, train, and deploy advanced AI models and applications. In that context, it welcomes the longstanding cooperation between Export Development Canada and Nokia and notes a memorandum of understanding signed this week to support Nokia’s efforts to build AI gigafactories.

Beyond AI, the statement says Canada and Finland will explore cooperation in quantum research, innovation, commercialisation, and workforce development, including through a Canadian quantum trade mission to Finland. It also links bilateral technology cooperation to critical minerals, trusted supply chains, and wider economic and security cooperation.

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Nigeria Customs Service begins AI training

The Nigeria Customs Service has begun a capacity development programme focused on AI-driven processes, according to an official social media post. The initiative aims to strengthen operational efficiency in key areas.

The Nigeria Customs Service stated that the training covers revenue generation, remittances and reconciliation processes. AI tools are being introduced to improve accuracy and streamline financial operations.

The programme is part of broader efforts to enhance technical skills within the service and align operations with evolving digital practices. It reflects a focus on improving internal systems and data management.

The Nigeria Customs Service positions the initiative as a step towards modernising customs processes and strengthening institutional capacity in Nigeria.

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South Korea deploys AI smart city pilots across Southeast Asia

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in South Korea has selected six pilot projects under the K-City Network Global Cooperation Program to deploy AI-based smart city models across Southeast Asia.

The initiative reflects efforts to extend tested domestic systems into international urban contexts.

Projects will be implemented in Brunei, Bacoor, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Surin and Penang, focusing on areas such as traffic optimisation, water management and disaster response. These pilots aim to assess the adaptability and performance of AI-enabled infrastructure in diverse environments.

The programme operates as a government-to-government cooperation mechanism, combining technical deployment with policy coordination. Selected projects were evaluated based on innovation, feasibility and potential for broader regional application.

By testing AI-driven urban systems in partner countries, the initiative by South Korea seeks to support digital transformation while contributing to more efficient, resilient and data-driven public services.

It also reflects wider trends in cross-border collaboration on smart city governance and infrastructure development.

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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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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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World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit opens in Hong Kong

The 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit has opened in Hong Kong, hosted by the World Internet Conference, organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and co-organised by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau.

The Hong Kong government says the two-day summit is expected to bring together around 1,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions, including government and business leaders, representatives of international organisations, and experts and scholars.

The programme includes remarks by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and World Internet Conference Chairman and Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China Zhuang Rongwen, alongside other invited speakers from government, industry, and international organisations.

A ministerial meeting was convened during the summit, with officials and representatives of international organisations discussing topics including how AI can support high-quality economic growth. The programme also includes a government-enterprise dialogue and a main forum focused on the digital economy, innovation, and technology development.

Six sub-forums are scheduled as part of the summit, covering innovation and application of AI agents, digital finance, AI security and governance, AI for a better life, digital and intelligent health, and digital transformation and dissemination of classical texts.

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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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EU launches Mediterranean digital programme to support governance, cybersecurity and skills

The European Commission has launched a digital transformation programme for countries in North Africa and the Middle East, marking the first digital initiative under the Pact for the Mediterranean.

EU aims to support inclusive and sustainable growth by improving access to digital services and strengthening regulatory alignment.

The initiative focuses on enhancing digital governance by aligning telecommunications regulations with the EU standards and strengthening national regulatory authorities. It also promotes regional cooperation by creating coordinated networks across participating countries.

Cybersecurity forms a central component, with measures designed to improve national frameworks and institutional capacity to prevent and respond to cyber threats.

Additionally, the programme advances digital skills development based on EU competency frameworks, supporting long-term capacity development.

Such an approach reflects a broader policy objective to foster regional digital integration, strengthen institutional resilience and promote secure and inclusive digital transformation across neighbouring regions.

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Serpro joins Brazil-China AI cooperation protocol

Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Serpro, and the Chinese company iFlytek have signed a cooperation protocol on AI focused on building national capabilities for the functioning of the state.

According to Serpro, the protocol forms part of broader Brazil–China cooperation in science and technology. Acting Minister Luis Fernandes said the initiative aims to foster joint technology development and knowledge transfer with Brazil, with implications for digital sovereignty.

The protocol sets guidelines for cooperation in research, development, and capacity-building in AI, with a focus on large language models adapted to Brazilian Portuguese, translation and accessibility systems, cybersecurity applications, and AI infrastructure in Brazil. Serpro said the initiative also covers data centres, secure cloud, and interoperable data platforms.

Serpro will lead the technical execution of the initiative. The company said its role is to connect research, public policy, and delivery of public services, and added that it already has more than 300 AI-based solutions in its portfolio. The protocol also provides for training measures, including researcher exchanges, courses, technical visits, and scholarships.

The Serpro announcement states that initiatives under the protocol will depend on specific instruments to be concluded between the participants. It also presents the partnership as part of a broader effort to strengthen Brazil’s AI technical capacity through international cooperation.

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Human work roles shift alongside AI

Reporting by The Korea Herald highlights that AI is increasingly reshaping workplace expectations, with employees adapting how they approach tasks and productivity. The shift reflects broader changes in how work is organised and delivered.

The article indicates that workers are using AI tools to improve efficiency while also reassessing workloads and job design. This is leading to a growing focus on balancing automation with human input.

At the same time, organisations are being pushed to rethink management structures, accountability and skills development. The integration of AI is influencing both individual roles and wider organisational strategies.

The Korea Herald suggests that long-term success will depend on how effectively businesses align AI adoption with workforce needs and sustainable work practices globally.

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