AI Singapore and UNDP Join Forces to Bridge Global AI Literacy Gap and Empower Developing Communities

AI Singapore and UNDP Partner to Boost AI Literacy in Developing Regions

AI Singapore (AISG) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have formalised a collaboration to enhance AI education in six pilot countries across Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Caribbean. This initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide that still leaves roughly one-third of the global population offline, limiting access to essential services and economic opportunities.

Factors such as limited network coverage, affordability challenges, and low digital literacy contribute to this gap. While AI offers promising avenues for development, it also risks deepening existing inequalities if access and education are not addressed inclusively. This partnership focuses on equipping communities with AI knowledge that supports job searching, entrepreneurship, and social engagement.

Extending AI4Good Beyond Singapore

The collaboration will scale AISG’s AI4Good programme—launched in 2024 to build AI capabilities in Asia—to a broader international context. The programme’s core goal is to promote inclusive AI learning by empowering educators, creating accessible learning opportunities, and raising awareness of ethical AI use.

According to Mr Koo Sengmeng, Director of AI Talent Development at AI Singapore, “Our AI4Good initiative has shown how AI education can empower individuals to participate actively in the digital economy. Scaling this programme internationally is key to ensuring equitable benefits from AI technologies.”

Key Strategic Focus Areas

• Increase AI literacy among diverse populations, especially marginalised groups.
• Empower educators with the tools and knowledge to teach AI effectively.
• Create inclusive and accessible AI learning environments.
• Promote awareness around ethical AI practices.
• Build institutional capacity to sustain and expand AI literacy initiatives.

By addressing these areas, the programme aims to foster sustainable AI education frameworks that support long-term community development and digital inclusion.

A Commitment to Equity and Sustainability

Mr Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer at UNDP, highlighted the importance of equity in AI adoption: “AI has the potential to transform societies and drive sustainable development. Our partnership with AI Singapore ensures that the countries we serve can access advanced AI learning resources and accelerate AI literacy efforts.”

This collaboration opens pathways for developing countries to integrate AI into their development agendas, ensuring that technological progress benefits all sectors of society.

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