A new UAE-led partnership with Malaysia and Rwanda aims to accelerate ethical AI adoption and knowledge sharing across the Global South, addressing concerns over emerging technologies deepening global inequalities. Signed under the World Economic Forum’s Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) network, the initiative builds on a UAE-Rwanda collaboration launched at the 2024 WEF Annual Meeting in Davos.
With the AI market projected to reach $4.8 trillion by 2033, the partnership seeks to ensure inclusive frameworks that prevent the Global South from falling behind. Malaysia’s Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, emphasized the collective goal of responsible AI innovation and the importance of the C4IR Network AI Fellowship Program, which fosters talent exchange and collaborative AI solutions across continents.
The agreement, witnessed by UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar Al-Olama and Malaysia’s Singh Deo, deepens South-South cooperation in technology policy, research, and skills development. The expanded fellowship program supports talent exchange, joint innovation, and governance frameworks led by Global South countries.
Dubai Future Foundation CEO Khalfan Belhoul highlighted the UAE’s commitment to global collaboration for sustainable development through technology and knowledge sharing. Rwanda’s Crystal Rugege noted the partnership complements Rwanda’s AI initiatives, reinforcing efforts in research, knowledge transfer, and capacity building.
The C4IR Network unites public and private partners worldwide to harness emerging technologies responsibly, promoting sustainable and inclusive AI adoption.
