The UAE, Malaysia and Rwanda signed a strategic partnership to strengthen coordination with the aim of boosting AI adoption in the Global South. Within the framework of the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) global network, the countries will work together to promote ethics and governance in AI to help societies and economies in the Global South harness their potential.
Through signing a Memorandum of Understanding, the UAE, Malaysia and Rwanda agreed to expand the scope of the C4IR AI Fellowship Program, which was initially signed by the UAE and Rwanda at the 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.
The knowledge exchange platform was created to connect leaders, innovators and experts in the AI space.
Malaysia joins UAE-Rwanda partnership
With the addition of Malaysia, the expanded partnership will promote further international cooperation to support sustainable development through AI. The initiative will enable talent exchange, joint initiatives and coordinated development of responsible AI governance frameworks led by Global South nations.
“Malaysia is proud to join forces with the UAE and Rwanda in this visionary initiative to bridge global AI expertise and accelerate digital transformation for a more inclusive and sustainable future. This partnership involving Malaysia Center 4IR, C4IR UAE, and C4IR Rwanda reflects our collective goal for a future that is driven by responsible AI innovation,” said Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital in Malaysia.
Singh Deo added that Malaysia hopes that the C4IR Network AI Fellowship Program will serve as a vital bridge, connecting AI leaders and experts across continents. By sharing knowledge, exchanging talent, and co-creating solutions, the nation aims to address the critical challenges and harness the immense potential of AI for the benefit of the wider global community.
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Advancing inclusive and sustainable progress globally
For his part, Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, explained that this expanded partnership will help the Global South to unlock greater value from AI and Fourth Industrial Revolution applications. Guided by the UAE’s leadership, the nation is committed to building and strengthening global collaboration to achieve inclusive, sustainable development through technology and knowledge sharing.
“The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in our shared journey to harness the transformative power of AI. By bringing together the shared expertise and vision of the Centers for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the UAE, Rwanda and Malaysia, we are connecting a global community of AI practitioners committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable progress,” said Aytug Goksu, head of network and government affairs at C4IR Network and partner engagement at World Economic Forum.
The UAE Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (UAE C4IR), overseen by DFF and launched in April 2019 in a partnership between the UAE Government and WEF, plays a key role in facilitating collaboration and exchange. Over the past six years, the center has forged several impactful partnerships and initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Global Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network is a platform for multistakeholder collaboration, bringing together public and private sectors to maximize technological benefits to society while minimizing the risks. It explores exponential technologies and drives their responsible adoption and application, leveraging a global network of independent national and thematic centers.
