Outline:
A Strategic Collaboration for AI-Driven Development
In a significant step towards leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for inclusive growth, the United Arab Emirates and the Royal Government of Bhutan, in partnership with the Eurasia Group and G42, organized a high-level two-day workshop titled “AI for Development” in Thimphu, Bhutan. This event marked a pivotal moment in fostering technological cooperation between the two nations.
The workshop commenced with the traditional Marchang Ceremony, highlighting Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan, and Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel, Foreign Minister of Bhutan, were present, underscoring the importance of the initiative.
Fostering Innovation Through Collaboration
The event brought together policymakers, technical experts, and development practitioners to explore innovative AI solutions that can be implemented locally. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader foreign policy focus on technological diplomacy and building impactful partnerships across the Global South.
Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, who led the UAE delegation, emphasized the significance of this collaboration. He stated, “This initiative highlights the UAE’s commitment to using AI and technology for global development. Bhutan’s agility in digital transformation, combined with the UAE’s technical expertise and strategic vision, creates a natural synergy. Our goal is to develop solutions that support national priorities and contribute to sustainable development.”
Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bhutan, added, “The UAE is proud to collaborate with Bhutan in exploring pioneering tech solutions that span from entrepreneurship to agriculture. These efforts are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aim to promote inclusive growth across the Global South.”
Key Focus Areas and National Priorities
Bhutan was chosen as the first pilot country due to its commitment to innovation and its openness to adopting cost-effective, context-sensitive technology solutions to drive economic growth. The workshop focused on three key areas: boosting entrepreneurship, promoting regenerative tourism, and increasing agricultural productivity. These themes closely align with Bhutan’s national development goals and the UN SDGs.
Jigme Tenzing, Secretary of GovTech Agency in Bhutan, highlighted the transformative potential of AI. He said, “While AI offers many conveniences, its true value lies in driving solutions that deliver meaningful and inclusive impact. The ‘AI for Development’ workshop provides an excellent opportunity to explore how AI can accelerate Bhutan’s socio-economic transformation, in alignment with our national values and priorities.”
High-Level Engagement and Future Prospects
On the sidelines of the workshop, the UAE delegation had the privilege of meeting His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan. The King praised the UAE’s efforts in advanced technology and space, as well as the collaborative nature of the workshop, which opened new avenues for cooperation in these fields.
The success of the Thimphu workshop underscores the UAE’s growing role as a strategic partner in the Global South. It reflects a commitment to fostering collaborative approaches to frontier technologies and capacity building.
Key Participants and Contributions
The UAE delegation included notable figures such as Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister for Advanced Science and Technology; Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bhutan; Muath Alwari, Policy Planning Director; and representatives from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and G42. Their participation highlighted the depth of engagement and the shared vision for a future driven by responsible AI innovation.