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In a major move to shape the global AI discourse, Singapore and Rwanda have jointly launched the world’s first AI Playbook tailored specifically for small states. The announcement, made by Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Ms Josephine Teo, during the United Nations (UN) Summit of the Future (SOTF) Action Day in New York City, aims to foster an inclusive approach to harnessing AI for societal benefit.
The AI Playbook is a collection of best practices from members of the Digital Forum of Small States (FOSS), highlighting how small nations have developed and implemented AI strategies and policies. Initially introduced at the Asia Tech x Singapore Summit, the playbook is a collaborative effort by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Rwanda’s Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Innovation.
Small states face unique challenges in adopting AI, including limited resources, access to talent, and the complexity of developing governance frameworks. As the convenor of Digital FOSS, Singapore led efforts to gather input from fellow small states, identifying common obstacles and highlighting successful solutions. The resulting playbook is designed to help these nations overcome barriers and harness the transformative power of AI.
The AI Playbook contains insights from Digital FOSS members across the globe, offering a comprehensive view of how small states have approached AI adoption. The document addresses AI development, governance, safety, and societal impact, ensuring that small states can learn from one another’s experiences in building AI strategies that meet their unique needs. As AI technology evolves, the playbook will remain a living document, continuously updated with new practices and lessons learned.
Digital FOSS, launched in October 2022, offers a platform for small states to collaborate on digital policy and technology challenges. It supports global initiatives like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Digital Compact, aiming to create inclusive digital frameworks. The AI Playbook aligns with these efforts, helping small states leverage AI for both economic growth and societal advancement.
By promoting collaboration and resource-sharing, the AI Playbook enables small states to build capacity and amplify their influence in shaping global AI standards. It serves as a model for how AI can be harnessed to uplift communities and contribute to sustainable development, bridging the gap between technological innovation and inclusive growth.
Singapore’s leadership in establishing FOSS dates back to 1992 when it created an informal, non-ideological platform in New York for small states to address shared concerns. Today, FOSS comprises 108 countries from diverse regions and development levels, with chapters in Geneva, Vienna, and London.
Over the past 30 years, FOSS has provided an essential forum for small states to discuss global issues, and the launch of Digital FOSS in 2022 has expanded the focus to include digital transformation and AI.
The AI Playbook represents a significant milestone in Digital FOSS’ mission to drive collaboration among small states. By working together, these nations can develop AI strategies that not only meet their individual needs but also contribute to global efforts to ensure AI is used for the public good.
With AI playing an increasingly pivotal role in global development, the launch of the AI Playbook signals a new era of cooperation among small states. By sharing resources, knowledge, and experiences, small states can navigate the challenges of AI adoption and governance more effectively, ensuring that the technology serves as a force for positive change.
Through initiatives like the AI Playbook, Singapore, Rwanda, and the Digital FOSS community are paving the way for small states to harness AI’s transformative potential, driving innovation while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable digital future.
