Page 93 - The Annual AI Governance Report 2025 Steering the Future of AI

The Annual AI Governance Report 2025: Steering the Future of AI

Held under the theme “Collectively at the Crossroads: Towards Secure and Resilient AI
Futures,” the Summit will bring together political and digital leaders to advance dialogue on
AI governance and its societal impact. It will be held alongside the Freedom Online Coalition
Ministerial further strengthening the strategic relevance of the topic.

Estonia also supports initiatives that aim to bridge the digital divides, promote digital literacy,
and build inclusive AI ecosystems that empower individuals – especially in developing countries.

As AI technologies evolve, there is a growing risk that those without access to infrastructure,
skills, or legal safeguards will be left even further behind. Without deliberate action, AI may
deepen – not diminish – existing inequalities. That is why we see digital inclusion not only as a
development goal, but as human rights matter.

Through ESTDEV, our Development Cooperation Agency, Estonia is sharing its know-how
in digital realm with partner countries – from creating secure and transparent e-governance
frameworks, to supporting civic tech, digital rights awareness, and AI-powered educational
platforms.

For example, in Africa, Estonia supports Kenya, Uganda, Namibia and Botswana in building
inclusive, secure and AI-ready digital societies. In Kenya, we have helped develop digital public
infrastructure and e-services, strengthened national cyber resilience, and empowered youth
through STEM and ICT training.

In Uganda, Namibia, and Botswana, our cooperation focuses on digital health, e-governance,
and entrepreneurship – laying the groundwork for ethical and human-centric AI in public
services. These are only some examples of our steps around the world.

Let me summarise my message in five points.

• First, AI must be human-centered, rights-based, and transparent.
• Second, innovation and regulation must move on together – not against each other.
• Third, no country, no matter how advanced, can succeed alone – cooperation is vital.
• Fourth, we must ensure that no one is left behind. Digital transformation must benefit
everyone – every member of society and reach all corners of the world.
• Fifth, education is the foundation of any societal transformation – therefore, also essential
for safe AI adoption and societal resilience.

Estonia’s journey proves that digital transformation is possible and it can be done with little of
resources. In just over three decades, we have gone from rebuilding our institutions to leading
the world in e-governance.

Our success has never been just about technology. It’s been about vision, cooperation, and
trust. We know from our own experience what is possible to achieve with the right vision and
determination.

The heart of Estonia’s previous digital transformation was the understanding that we should not
simply digitalise existing services but rather rethink and rebuild the whole system.
This should also be our guidance in the AI age. Pooling skills and resources support better and
faster digital development. It is also the reason why we strongly support the global movement
for digital public goods and digital public infrastructure.

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