UAE, Malaysia, and Rwanda forge AI alliance to empower Global South

The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Rwanda have formed a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across the Global South. 

The agreement, made under the framework of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) global network, seeks to promote ethical AI practices and governance that will support economic and societal progress in developing nations, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

As part of the collaboration, the three countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding to broaden the scope of the C4IR AI Fellowship Programme, originally launched by the UAE and Rwanda during the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos. 

Malaysia's inclusion in the initiative marks a significant step towards deeper international cooperation, particularly in fostering sustainable development through AI innovation, the report emphasised.

The partnership will facilitate talent exchange, collaborative projects, and the joint creation of frameworks for responsible AI governance led by nations in the Global South. Key figures present at the signing included the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Al Olama, and Malaysian Minister for Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, who highlighted the importance of bridging global expertise to ensure inclusive digital transformation.

Gobind Singh expressed hope that the expanded AI Fellowship Programme would serve as a critical platform for connecting global AI leaders, fostering innovation, and addressing shared challenges.