Multilateralism

2026-02-12 · Source: AI Now Institute · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, AI Governance & Policy · Depth: Intermediate, medium

Summary

Chinasa T. Okolo, founder of Technecultura and a policy specialist at the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET), critiques the current state of AI global governance from a Majority World perspective. She highlights Big Tech's pervasive influence in policy spaces, where companies like Meta, Google, Anthropic, OpenAI, and Hugging Face push agendas such as open-weight LLMs while sidestepping algorithmic harm discussions. Okolo cautions Majority World governments against corporate partnerships, citing potential long-term financial unsustainability and risks of sensitive data access, as exemplified by a Kenya-US health data agreement. She advocates for a shift from "AI for good" hype towards feasible, contextually relevant solutions, emphasizing the importance of South-South dialogue and peer exchanges among Majority World countries to develop robust AI strategies.

Key takeaway

For CTOs and VPs of Engineering/Data in Majority World nations considering AI adoption, you must critically evaluate corporate partnerships. Prioritize long-term sustainability and data sovereignty over immediate cost savings or "AI for development" hype. Engage technical and legal experts to scrutinize partnership agreements for hidden costs and sensitive data access clauses, and actively seek peer-to-peer knowledge exchange with other Majority World countries to identify truly feasible and contextually relevant AI solutions.

Key insights

Big Tech's influence in global AI governance risks undermining Majority World interests through self-serving agendas and unsustainable partnerships.

Principles

• Prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term cost reductions.
• Scrutinize data access clauses in corporate partnerships.
• Foster peer exchanges among Majority World nations.

Method

Governments should employ analysts to assess long-term costs and data implications of AI partnerships, and collaborate with civil society and academia for landscape mapping of AI solutions.

In practice

• Analyze partnership agreements for sensitive data access.
• Engage in South-South dialogue on AI implementation.
• Map local AI use cases and their impacts.

Topics

• AI Governance
• Majority World AI Policy
• Big Tech Influence
• Data Sovereignty
• South-South Cooperation

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, Policy Maker, AI Ethicist, Executive

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI Now Institute.