Digital and Artificial Intelligence

Singapore Global Centre

Digital and Artificial Intelligence

Harnessing Digital and AI for a More Inclusive Future

Digital transformation is reshaping societies, economies, and governance at an unprecedented pace. The potential of digital technologies to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is immense – enhancing public services, expanding economic opportunities, and strengthening resilience in times of crisis. Yet, the benefits of digitalisation remain unevenly distributed as digital divides persist, limiting access for marginalized communities. At the same time, emerging risks – such as online scams, cyber threats, and misinformation – threaten trust in digital ecosystems.

At the UNDP Singapore Global Centre, we are committed to helping countries ensure that their digital transformation is inclusive, human-centred, and sustainable. We work with governments, private sector partners, and civil society to bridge digital divides, harness frontier technologies, and build safeguards against digital risks. By leveraging AI-driven solutions, fostering digital inclusion, and pioneering responsible innovation, we support countries in shaping digital strategies that allow them to enjoy the full benefits of digitalisation and which leave no one behind.

Thematic Areas of Work

Responsible AI for Sustainable Development

AI holds the potential to transform public services, enhance decision-making, and improve development outcomes. UNDP has been at the forefront of leveraging AI for good, through initiatives such as iVerify(an AI-powered tool to combat misinformation), Artificial Intelligence Landscape Assessments (AILA) and the AI Trust and Safety Re-imagination Programme. Drawing on these initiatives and Singapore’s leadership in responsible AI governance, the Centre seeks to strengthen national capacities to design and implement responsible AI policies and elevate the visibility of best practices – particularly in developing countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Coming soon

Digital Transformation, Trust, and Safety

Digitalisation brings with it both opportunity and risks, inevitably increasing the attack surface. Beyond the vulnerabilities in systems and software, digital technologies are being utilised to conduct scams. Cyber attacks and digital scams may not only negate the benefits of digitalisation, it also undermines trust in digital technologies. Beyond convening discissions around whole-of-society approaches to digital trust and safety, the Centre is also conceptualizing the gap between risk exposure and safeguards and driving new programmes to strengthen cyber resilience and protect vulnerable users.

Coming soon

Digital and Systems Portfolio Approaches

Guided by UNDP’s Systems and Portfolios Approach, the Centre is looking at applying systems thinking to development finance and policy coherence. Core elements include highlighting case studies where digital data systems and AI-enabled scenario modelling support green and inclusive investment, strengthening understanding of systems-oriented financing approaches, and facilitating learning exchanges with public, private, and philanthropic partners. The goal is to support emerging economics in moving from fragmented interventions to coordinated, system-level change.

Coming soon