As governments worldwide deploy AI ministers, agents, and multi-billion-pound strategies, September 2025 marks an unprecedented convergence of ambition, regulation, and technological capability in the race to govern artificial intelligence. In support of this global transformation, The Digital Statecraft Academy has been launched to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills to navigate governance in this transformative era.
From Data for Policy CIC: Shaping Leadership for the Algorithmic Age
DSA Cambridge Fellowship: Applications Close 31 October : The Digital Statecraft Academy (DSA) has opened applications for its flagship 12-month Cambridge Fellowship—a hybrid leadership programme developed in partnership with Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy, Cambridge University Press, The GovLab, Microsoft, and Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure. Fellows engage in Cambridge residency, expert mentorship, and practical capstone projects designed to build the capabilities needed to govern effectively in an AI-driven world. Apply now!
Your Voice in Data for Policy’s Future: Two opportunities to contribute: First, Data for Policy’s strategic consultation invites the global network to help define priorities for 2025–2030, focusing on community engagement and the critical challenges at the intersection of data, AI, and policy. Second, the Digital Statecraft Manifesto v1.0—a living document built on ten guiding principles—calls for responses from leaders, academics, and practitioners. The manifesto challenges institutions to evolve dynamically, prioritising democratic legitimacy, human agency, and ethical accountability over mere digitisation.
Join the Asia-Pacific Conversation on AI Governance: Registration continues for Data for Policy 2025 Asia-Pacific Edition: “Advancing AI: Innovations, Governance, and Ethical Frontiers.” The conference convenes researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to address AI’s transformative impact with particular attention to the Asia-Pacific context.
Digital Sovereignty Takes Centre Stage: National AI Strategies Reshape Governance
The month witnessed transformative developments across multiple fronts. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for a national digital ID scheme targeting illegal employment and public service enhancement. The UK simultaneously launched the North East AI Growth Zone Taskforce and secured a £31 billion technology partnership with the United States focused on drug discovery, job creation, and healthcare advancement.
Nations worldwide accelerated AI implementation. Albania appointed Diella, the world’s first AI-powered virtual government minister, while Ukraine launched DiiaAI, the first government AI agent providing direct citizen services. South Korea established a new AI strategy committee with increased funding, Indonesia unveiled a national AI roadmap, Singapore announced major AI investments, Japan introduced new national AI initiatives, and Estonia presented a healthtech innovation roadmap emphasising AI integration.
UN and World Bank Lead Multilateral Push for AI Cooperation
International institutions stepped up coordination efforts. The UN General Assembly established a 40-member Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence alongside a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to assess risks and opportunities while fostering civilian AI cooperation. The World Bank opened a regional hub in Riyadh to serve the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
The European Commission advanced regulatory implementation. President Ursula von der Leyen outlined AI, climate, and digital governance priorities in the 2025 State of the Union, while the EU Data Act expanded user control over connected device data. California advanced legislation regulating AI companion chatbots, which Anthropic publicly endorsed.
Tech Giants Advance Frontier AI Whilst Strengthening Safeguards
Technology companies drove frontier developments. OpenAI upgraded Codex for enhanced programming assistance, Google introduced VaultGemma, the most advanced differentially private large language model to date and Anthropic formed partnerships with US CAISI and UK AISI to strengthen AI safeguards. Huawei unveiled new Ascend chips designed to power advanced AI clusters.
Key Reports and Frameworks
Several critical publications shaped the policy landscape. The International Telecommunication Union published a guide on building digital public infrastructure for cities and communities. The UK released a Trusted Third-Party AI Assurance Roadmap to strengthen AI accountability, while the OECD released a framework for governing effectively with artificial intelligence.
Oxford Insights introduced a comprehensively updated Government AI Readiness Framework reflecting massive changes in AI since 2017. The AI Now Institute published its 2025 landscape report on social and political impacts of AI. The World Economic Forum issued a playbook to advance responsible AI innovation, while the City of Seattle published its 2025–2026 AI strategy focused on privacy and ethics.
An academic volume analysing “Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Rights: The AI Act of the European Union and its implications for global technology regulation” examined the EU’s rights-based approach to AI regulation and its global impact.
Research Warns: AI Without Inclusion Threatens Development Goals
Key research highlighted both opportunities and challenges. Studies warned that AI adoption without inclusive policies could undermine sustainable development in G7 economies. Research showed that delegating tasks to AI systems can increase unethical behaviour, while blockchain technology was found to enhance digital governance when mediated by fintech development.
The Alan Turing Institute argued that generalist human skills remain irreplaceable by AI, emphasising human judgement and adaptability. New tools emerged for assessing hallucination risks in large language models, and DeepSeek-R1 introduced a reinforcement learning framework to enhance reasoning capabilities in LLMs.
Research on digital transformation in Chinese firms revealed that strategic leadership and organisational empowerment drive innovation more effectively than technology alone. A position piece urged universities to critically evaluate AI adoption to protect academic freedom, scientific integrity, and critical thinking.
From Digital IDs to Data Silos: Expert Voices on AI Governance Challenges
The World Bank’ blog highlighted how digitalisation can improve access, inclusion, and resilience for displaced people and host communities. TechUK discussed how trusted and connected data infrastructure can unlock the full potential of UK government services.
The Centre for International Governance Innovation explored geopolitical implications of AI regulation in Latin America and examined challenges of balancing AI innovation with human rights protections. The World Economic Forum showcased innovations in responsible AI governance and highlighted GovTech innovation in Africa as a path to inclusive digital governance.
Albanian Post reflected on ethical dilemmas raised by Diella, the world’s first virtual minister. GovInsider argued that moving from data silos to strategic data sharing is key to building AI-ready public services. OECD.AI proposed establishing global “red lines” in AI governance to prevent unacceptable risks.
The Oxford Business Law Blog explored how the shift from open banking to Banking-as-a-Service raises new regulatory challenges regarding liability, supervision, and systemic risk. UNDP described how the DPI Safeguards initiative supports countries in putting digital safeguards into action.
Practical Impact
UK government coders reported saving 28 working days annually using AI tools, demonstrating practical efficiency gains. UKRI committed new AI investments supporting evidence-based global policymaking, while Imperial College celebrated the Ada Lovelace Academy’s success in training data science and AI leaders.
These developments collectively signal a maturing AI governance landscape where technological ambition meets heightened attention to accountability, ethics, and public trust, setting the stage for continued transformation in how governments and institutions navigate the algorithmic age. To dive into the full September 2025 newsletter, click here.
Stay informed on the latest developments and insights in data and AI policy, subscribe to our newsletter here.