Policymakers across the Commonwealth can now craft comprehensive government policies and strategies, drawing on global best practices while allowing them to be tailored to local needs.
In August, the Commonwealth Secretariat launched its StrategusAI toolkit, developed in partnership with Intel Corporation, which will allow member governments to regulate the challenges and maximise the opportunities associated with artificial intelligence (AI).
AI-driven policy tool
Championed by the Government of Rwanda, the launch of StrategusAI marked a significant milestone for the Policy Development Working Group of the Commonwealth AI Consortium. It follows months of development, testing and refining, all in an effort to bridge the digital divide and foster greater economic resilience for Commonwealth countries.
The tool will be piloted in Fiji and Brunei Darussalam and will then be available to all 56 Commonwealth countries.
HE Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation who attended the meeting remotely, said:
"Artificial intelligence is now recognised as a critical technology that will significantly impact societies. For that, all countries must start to equip themselves with the right strategies to enable them to harness the potential of AI, while at the same time addressing the potential risks."
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, in her address said:
"Our objective in this maelstrom, in this period of change, is to help Commonwealth Member states put in place the strategies and the programmes which can enable AI to assist people in work - not replace them - and liberate them to unleash qualities which AI is no substitute for, such as human creativity, emotional intelligence and complex problem-solving.
"AI can help rural communities in small states, which have traditionally been prevented from accessing high-quality healthcare expertise or personalised education, and enjoy really tailored, personalised services in a way we've never seen before. And this is transformational."
Empowering public sector leaders
The cost of developing one government policy or strategy can range from US$250,000 to US$1.5 million in consulting fees, and development can take from six months up to a year, not including implementation phases. This investment will be more cost-effective and efficient with StrategusAI.
Intel already partners with the Secretariat on a joint digital learning programme to demystify AI among senior officials across the Commonwealth and raise awareness of its potential applications in various sectors. The StrategusAI toolkit is a further step in empowering public sector leaders.
Sarah Kemp, Vice President of International Government Affairs at Intel, said:
"We know that the vast potential of AI lies in its ability to process and analyse immense amounts of data far beyond human capacity. StrategusAI harnesses this capability to synthesise and evaluate extensive data from the shortlisted documents that you select.
The algorithm has been trained so that users can assess high quality insights and existing frameworks and add country-specific documents to generate their own tailored outcome."
Other speakers included HE Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK; HE Jovilisi Suveinakama, High Commissioner of Fiji to the UK; and Dr Norfarizal Othman, Director-General, Public Service Department, Prime Minister’s Office, Brunei Darussalam; and Intel’s Shweta Khurana, Director APJ - Government Partnerships and Initiatives.
From the Secretariat, Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Arjoon Suddhoo; Assistant Secretary-General, Prof. Luis Franceschi; and Senior Director of Trade, Oceans, and Natural Resources, Suresh Yadav - whose team developed the toolkit – all provided their perspectives on the relevance and importance of the toolkit for the Commonwealth.
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Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium
The Commonwealth Secretary-General has steadfastly advocated for the increased use of technology across all member states. To advance this goal, the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC) was formed in 2023 and includes representatives from global tech firms, world-leading research institutions, and non-profit organisations. Ten Commonwealth member countries, including Rwanda, are part of the CAIC and will champion AI innovation in their own nations and throughout the union.
The toolkit also benefitted from guidance from Oxford Insights, Sustainable Living Lab, and policymakers from several other Commonwealth countries, who contributed to the design and development of the tool.
Watch the recording of the launch
Watch the closing remarks from the Assistant Secretary-General, Prof. Luis Franceschi
Media contact
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Suné Kitshoff Senior Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
