Global AI Policy Training Programme Launched to Strengthen International Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence
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The Global Center on AI Governance, in partnership with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), launched a new initiative to equip policymakers and civil servants with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to strengthen international cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI).
The Global AI Policy Training Programme officially commenced in Pretoria with participants from the South African and UK governments. In an era of rising geopolitical tensions and intensifying competition around AI, policymakers, diplomats, and public sector leaders must navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape in ways that uphold democratic values and protect human rights. As countries race to harness AI for economic and strategic advantage, technology diplomacy has emerged as a key frontier of statecraft. Across the world including in Africa, governments are appointing technology envoys and embedding digital governance within foreign policy agendas, recognising that influence over digital norms, standards, and infrastructure will shape the future global order. For African nations in particular, proactive engagement is essential to ensure that AI systems reflect local values, safeguard sovereignty, and support inclusive development.
The programme is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of AI across diverse global contexts, strengthen their capacity to develop and implement effective national and foreign AI policies, and enhance their ability to engage confidently in international AI forums. Together, these goals reflect a broader commitment to democratic and accountable AI governance ensuring that technological systems serve the public interest, operate under clear legal and ethical oversight, and are deployed within transparent and responsible institutions.
The session was opened by the British High Commissioner, Antony Phillipson, who emphasized the importance of global collaboration in shaping safe, inclusive, and future-ready AI governance frameworks.
During the launch, CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance Dr. Rachel Adams,opened Module 1 with a deep dive into the global dynamics shaping national and international AI governance. She stressed the urgency of building well-informed, context-sensitive AI policies at a time when decisions on AI carry far-reaching consequences for social justice, economic resilience, and national autonomy.
Participants also engaged with Prof. Vukosi Marivate, who delivered an insightful session on frontier AI research in Africa. His discussion highlighted the continent’s growing contributions to global AI development and underscored the need for locally grounded innovation in shaping equitable AI futures.
The programme was launched on the sidelines of South Africa’s Annual Science Forum, a major platform for promoting scientific collaboration across Africa and beyond. The Forum’s emphasis on connecting technology, innovation, and societal impact provided a fitting backdrop for an initiative aimed at strengthening responsible and cooperative AI governance across nations.
As the world navigates an increasingly complex and competitive AI landscape, the Global AI Policy Training Programme represents a timely investment in strengthening principled, inclusive, and collaborative governance. By equipping policymakers with the knowledge, networks, and diplomatic skills needed to shape AI responsibly, the initiative supports countries to safeguard their interests while contributing to a more just global digital order. Delivered over a six-month period, the programme aims to build a confident, well-prepared cohort of leaders ready to engage meaningfully in national, regional, and international AI policy conversations.