First AI Playbook for Small States to shape inclusive global AI discourse

1. Singapore and Rwanda have introduced the world’s first AI Playbook for Small States (818.40KB)¹ to shape inclusive global discourse on harnessing the potential of AI. Announced by Minister for Digital Development and Information, Mrs Josephine Teo, at the United Nations (UN) Summit of the Future (SOTF) Action Day (“A Digital Future for All”) on 22 September 2024 (SGT) in New York City, the playbook is an anthology of best practices from members of Digital FOSS² on how they have implemented AI strategies and policies in their countries.

2. First announced at the Asia Tech x Singapore Summit 2024 on 30 May 2024, the AI Playbook is developed by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in collaboration with Rwanda’s Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Innovation, with consultations taking place with Digital FOSS members since the start of the year. Singapore, as convenor of the Digital FOSS, gathered information from fellow small states on common challenges that they face in adopting and harnessing the potential of AI. Some challenges include availability of resources and funding, access to data and AI talent, and developing AI governance policies and frameworks.

3. The Playbook contains input from Digital FOSS members representing all geographies, who have come together to share their experiences on how they have pursued AI adoption and development, considered AI governance and safety, and addressed the societal impact of AI. Given the rapidly evolving nature of AI, the Playbook is shaped as a living document that continuously pulls together the collective experiences and strategies from small states.

4. AI’s potential transcends economic value, with the power to uplift individuals, communities and societies. It in turn plays an important role in contributing to the achievement of all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The AI Playbook for Small States therefore aims to build a community of small states and other stakeholders to create the space for inclusive discussions on topics such as AI, allowing small states to tap on its transformative potential.