Insights

The Asia and Pacific region is at a pivotal moment as it embraces artificial intelligence (AI) amidst rapid development and urbanization. AI has the potential to enhance productivity in critical sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and MSMEs while addressing challenges posed by youthful labor markets and climate change. However, if mishandled, it could deepen inequality and disrupt job markets. Proactive policies focusing on retraining and skill development are essential to harness AI effectively. Varied readiness across countries—from China's strategic innovation to India's digital infrastructure—highlights the need for tailored approaches and robust governance to integrate AI in ways that promote shared prosperity.
Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore | ICT, Health, Education
Artificial Intelligence as a Development Choice for Asia and the Pacific
CEOs are increasingly feeling pressure as they navigate disruptions and uncertainty, with 45% fearing job loss and 40% experiencing heightened anxiety compared to last year, according to the 2026 AlixPartners Disruption Index. Over 70% struggle to prioritize disruptive forces, and 85% seek greater support. Despite reporting less pressure from disruptions than last year, inflation and AI advancements pose significant challenges. A clear divide is emerging between CEOs and other executives regarding their perceptions of disruption. Fast-growing companies are strategically adapting by diversifying networks and investing in resilience for long-term advantage.
Algeria | Education
CEOs Increasingly See Disruption as the Norm and Worry about Ability to Keep Pace with Change, According to AlixPartners’ 2026 Disruption Index
Europe's military space capabilities are insufficient, heavily relying on the US, particularly for intelligence, navigation, and early warning systems. The Ukraine conflict has highlighted the necessity for autonomous space capabilities, as US support is not guaranteed. Key areas for development include space situational awareness, military reconnaissance, navigation resilience, and missile early warning. Europe must enhance its launch capabilities, currently reliant on US providers, and progress towards a more independent space strategy that balances immediate needs against long-term autonomy.
Germany, Poland
European Autonomy in Space
Delegates from Africa and Latin America hailed the agreements reached at the recent UN Environment Assembly (UNEA7) as a victory, despite facing challenges like resistance from certain countries and the absence of the US. Eleven resolutions were adopted, focusing on coral reef protection, mineral management, and addressing sargassum seaweed influx. The assembly established UNEP's 2026-2029 strategy, with a budget increase to $1.1 billion. The meeting emphasized international environmental governance, particularly regarding a plastics treaty, amid geopolitical tensions that may complicate future negotiations. The declaration included a commitment to a clean, healthy environment, though constraints on recognizing human rights were noted.
Africa
How the Global South tried to steer the recent UN Environment Assembly
Despite significant investments in AI, only 5% of employees utilize AI to transform their work, largely due to a lack of trust and motivation. Companies need to shift focus from merely deploying AI to incentivizing its adoption. Effective incentives must align with desired behaviors at leader, team, and individual levels, promoting a culture that encourages AI use. Current performance metrics often overlook AI usage, leaving employees uncertain about its value. Implementing AI incentives, such as tying leadership compensation to AI outcomes and rewarding individual contributions, can foster a more supportive environment for AI integration in the workplace.
Education
How Can Companies Incentivize AI Adoption?
The Youth Pulse 2026 report highlights urgent concerns of today's youth regarding jobs, education, AI, and climate action. With over half the global population under 30, youth priorities are crucial for stability and growth. Key demands include quality jobs, relevant education, responsible AI adoption, transparency, and climate action. Economic survival dominates their worries, with 57% prioritizing employment amid rising inflation. Many face precarious work conditions, fueling interest in entrepreneurship, particularly in regions with limited opportunities. Solutions involve creating job pathways, reforming education to meet market demands, and ensuring young people are prepared for a rapidly changing economy.
Africa, Latin America | ICT, Education
Why world leaders need to heed youth voices at Davos
AI is increasingly capable of taking on managerial roles, particularly in recruitment, as demonstrated by a study where an AI system successfully handled the entire hiring process for a manufacturing plant. AI excels in cognition, reasoning, and processing large amounts of data, leading to enhanced business efficiency and problem-solving capabilities. While it can operate continuously and consistently, AI lacks the human qualities essential for relationship building and leadership. As AI management becomes more prevalent, understanding its functions is crucial, though it also poses challenges to job security and traditional management roles.
Education
AI could be your next line manager
The representation of disabled individuals in political science remains severely lacking, despite growing diversity in other areas of academia. While about 25% of the UK population may have a disability, only 7% of academic staff report disabilities. This underrepresentation hinders understanding of how political decisions impact disabled lives, such as policies that affect employment and assistance. Increased visibility of disabled scholars is essential for improving awareness and addressing the barriers they face in academia. As research on disability in politics advances, it highlights the need for broader perspectives to inform better policies that affect the disabled community.
The academic study of politics is failing disabled people – with real-world consequences
The UK government's proposed immigration policy raises English language requirements for visa applicants, intending to enhance integration and workforce readiness. However, critics argue that it transforms language learning into a tool of surveillance and exclusion, framing English proficiency as a test of belonging tied to citizenship, rather than as a means of empowerment. The policy imposes unrealistic expectations on migrants, especially those affected by trauma and displacement, reducing their complex learning journeys to compliance metrics. Moreover, it neglects necessary support for educators and learners, risking the erosion of democratic values and inclusivity in society.
Education
English lessons shouldn’t be an immigration test – why the UK’s new policy risks deepening exclusion
Trump's attacks on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and calls for interest rate cuts pose risks of rising US inflation and threaten the dollar's global dominance. His efforts to influence monetary policy may undo the Fed's autonomy, crucial for maintaining economic stability. This shift could mirror outcomes in countries like Turkey, where politically motivated rate cuts led to soaring inflation. As trust in US assets declines, the dollar's position as the world's reserve currency is jeopardized, signaling a potential end to its long-standing hegemony.
Financial services
Trump’s attacks on the Federal Reserve risk fuelling US inflation and ending dollar dominance
Russia's war has caused extensive environmental damage in Ukraine, affecting 2.4 million hectares of agricultural land and releasing toxic substances into ecosystems. The destruction of the Kakhovka dam flooded 600 sq km, while emissions related to the war are equivalent to 230 million tonnes of CO₂. Despite these challenges, Ukraine has the potential to establish a carbon market to facilitate postwar recovery. This market could generate revenue to finance reforestation and renewable energy projects, enhancing resilience against future conflicts. A law mandating an emissions trading system is set to be implemented by 2026, supporting Ukraine’s sustainable recovery.
Russian Federation, Ukraine
How Ukraine is fighting environmental damage and building its resilience amid war
Data is the cornerstone of the AI revolution, much like steel was for the Industrial Revolution. Nations and industries emphasizing data will shape the future, as 95% of AI pilots fail due to poor data quality. Current AI efforts struggle because they operate without comprehensive visibility into the physical world, relying on outdated data methods. The key to successful AI applications lies in capturing high-fidelity data through robotics and leveraging human expertise. Grounding AI in structured, real-world data enables predictive capabilities, moving beyond guesswork to actual understanding and prevention of failures.
Education
Why data, not code, is fuelling the AI revolution
We are witnessing advancements in medical science, with potential cures for cancers and rare genetic diseases. However, access to innovative treatments is unequal, particularly between the US and Europe, where disparities lead to preventable deaths. To harness the benefits of medical innovation, significant investment in health as a strategic asset is necessary. Early intervention in healthcare can reduce costs and improve life quality. Public-private partnerships are crucial for implementing effective healthcare strategies, as seen in successful programs like Canada’s Best Care initiative for chronic diseases. Addressing these challenges can yield substantial economic benefits.
Health
We live in a golden age of medical science, but is the policy ready?
Governance of artificial intelligence (AI) should transition from static compliance to agile, real-time oversight to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies. Continuous monitoring mechanisms, such as automated assessments and real-time anomaly detection, are essential for early risk detection and maintaining public trust. Collaboration between public and private sectors can enhance responsible innovation while addressing operational risks that emerge post-deployment. Successful models include Singapore’s AI Verify toolkit and shared national safety infrastructures, highlighting the importance of adaptive policies and sector-wide assurance to ensure AI governance keeps pace with technological advancements.
Education
Agile AI governance: How can we ensure regulation catches up with technology
Innovative partnerships can drive economic growth and foster creativity by combining diverse perspectives. Collaborations, like that of Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart, showcase how different backgrounds can lead to successful ventures. Similarly, the partnership between Salt & Straw, Taco Bell, and Ice Group produced the Tacolate, merging distinct strengths—artisan vision, engineering expertise, and mass-market reach to create a unique product. Additionally, the alignment of a waste startup, the California state, and the oil and gas sector illustrates how diverse partnerships can innovate in renewable energy, leveraging established infrastructures to support new growth.
Education
What Snoop Dogg and ice cream tacos can teach us about innovation and partnership
Tech sovereignty includes multiple dimensions: data, operational, technical, and legal. Organizations must balance these aspects to navigate strategic trade-offs while fostering innovation. The global landscape is marked by geopolitical tensions and digital interdependencies, particularly in Europe, which relies heavily on imports for digital products. A shift is occurring from pursuing full autonomy to resilient interdependence, emphasizing strategic partnerships. Effective sovereignty strategies should be pragmatic, addressing industry-specific needs and regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation over over-regulation. Achieving tech sovereignty involves assessing critical dependencies and establishing clear strategies for strategic control without isolationism.
Albania, Algeria, Angola, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Chad, Denmark, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Poland, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, China, Tanzania, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom | ICT, Financial services, Health, Education
Why the race for tech sovereignty is a balancing act
Multilateralism is increasingly challenged by rising trade barriers and geopolitical tensions, as indicated by the Global Cooperation Barometer 2026, which shows a 20% decline in multilateral cooperation metrics since 2019. However, smaller, flexible groupings, termed "minilateralism," are emerging to effectively advance cooperation in areas like digital services, climate finance, and innovation. Notably, solar capacity installations surged, particularly in China and India. While sectors like health and wellness maintain relative stability, peace and security metrics have drastically declined. Leaders are urged to adapt by proactively engaging in minilateral groups, enhancing organizational resilience, and matching cooperation strategies to specific challenges.
Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, China, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Zambia, Zimbabwe | ICT, Financial services, Health
The new shape of global cooperation
AI agents must incorporate linguistic diversity to avoid reinforcing social and economic inequalities. Most models are primarily trained on English, leading to a misunderstanding of dialects and emotional nuances, which risks alienating communities. Language reflects identity and cultural context; ignoring this can result in significant miscommunication and harm. Current AI systems treat language simplistically, which can obscure vital contextual meanings and emotional urgency, particularly in sectors like healthcare and finance. Designing AI with multiple languages and contexts in mind is crucial for promoting equity and ensuring all voices are heard.
Education
How can we design AI agents for a world of many voices?
Industrial transformation aimed at decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors requires an estimated $30 trillion in investment by 2050. The industrial cluster model, where multiple sectors co-locate under coordinated governance, facilitates rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies by pooling resources and sharing infrastructure, ultimately accelerating innovation. Effective clusters attract government support, streamline governance, and enable economies of scale, thereby enhancing investment appeal. Case studies from the UK and Europe illustrate how shared risks and strategic policy frameworks enable successful financing and implementation of clean energy projects, offering insights into three operational models that enhance bankability and project delivery.
Netherlands
The clean energy fast lane: how clusters speed up the industrial transformation
The emergence of AI-generated sexualized images, particularly involving non-consenting individuals, has sparked a global outcry, leading to regulatory discussions and actions. Indonesia and Malaysia have temporarily blocked access to Grok, an AI chatbot by xAI. However, such bans are often circumvented using VPNs, proving ineffective in preventing misuse. Technology companies are urged to implement stricter moderation and consent mechanisms for sharing images. Despite advancements in AI that facilitate the creation of such images, companies can apply filters to limit harmful outputs, though enforcement remains weak. Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying, with investigations launched in several countries.
What can technology do to stop AI-generated sexualised images?

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