TLDR: The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Rwanda have formed a strategic partnership to boost artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and promote ethical AI governance in the Global South. This collaboration expands the existing C4IR AI Fellowship Programme, aiming to foster talent exchange, joint initiatives, and the development of responsible AI frameworks among Global South nations.
DUBAI, July 31, 2025 – The United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Rwanda have officially cemented a strategic partnership aimed at significantly accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across countries in the Global South. This landmark agreement, signed within the framework of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) global network, underscores a collective commitment to promoting ethical AI development and robust governance frameworks.
The collaboration builds upon the existing C4IR AI Fellowship Programme, which was initially established between the UAE and Rwanda at the 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos. With the inclusion of Malaysia, the expanded partnership is set to foster greater international cooperation, facilitating sustainable development through AI.
Key aspects of this initiative include enabling talent exchange, launching joint projects, and coordinating the development of responsible AI governance frameworks, all led by nations within the Global South. This move is particularly significant given rising global concerns that emerging technologies could exacerbate existing inequalities, with the UN estimating the AI market to reach a staggering $4.8 trillion by 2033, and warning of the risk of the Global South being left behind without inclusive frameworks.
The new agreement was witnessed by His Excellency Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and His Excellency Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital.
Expressing Malaysia’s commitment, His Excellency Gobind Singh Deo stated, “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.” He further added, “This partnership involving Malaysia Centre4IR, C4IR UAE, and C4IR Rwanda reflects our collective goal for a future that is driven by responsible AI innovation. We hope that the C4IR Network AI Fellowship Programme, resulting from this collaboration, will serve as a vital bridge, connecting AI leaders and experts across continents.”
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), emphasized the broader impact of this expanded partnership, stating, “This expanded partnership will help the Global South to unlock greater value from AI and Fourth Industrial Revolution applications. Guided by our leadership, the UAE is committed to building and strengthening global collaboration to achieve inclusive, sustainable development through technology and knowledge sharing.”
Aytug Goksu, Head of Network and Government Affairs at C4IR Network and Partner Engagement at World Economic Forum, also commented on the significance of the MoU, noting, “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 Centres 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.”
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This strategic alliance aims to ensure that the transformative potential of AI is harnessed responsibly and inclusively, benefiting societies and economies across the Global South.
