Responsible AI Innovation And Governance Takes Centre Stage At Davos 2026 Session

The TRENDS Research and Advisory session "Responsible Innovation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" gathered global experts in Davos, Switzerland, to debate how rapidly expanding artificial intelligence can be steered responsibly. Participants focused on economic, social, and ethical impacts, and discussed practical paths for governance, inclusion, and fair access, especially relevant for fast-developing regions such as the Middle East.

Speakers agreed that artificial intelligence can support sustainable development when guided by effective oversight. They said AI could raise the quality of public services, enable better data-driven policymaking, and help advance the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in healthcare, environmental protection, and climate governance, provided cultural and social differences between countries remain respected.

The panel underlined that fast progress in artificial intelligence creates joint obligations for governments, companies, and institutions. They called for regulatory and ethical systems that adjust quickly to new AI uses while avoiding unnecessary restrictions. Strengthened international cooperation and exchange of experience on AI governance were seen as essential to protect cybersecurity, safeguard privacy, and build public confidence in emerging systems.

Participants also highlighted the value of sustained investment in research and human capital. They stressed that supporting partnerships between universities, research centres, and technology firms is vital for using artificial intelligence to drive inclusive economic growth. These alliances, they argued, should align AI deployment with national development goals, while remaining sensitive to each society’s cultural and social context.

In opening remarks, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, noted that artificial intelligence has moved beyond a simple tool. Dr. Al-Ali said AI now plays a central role in reshaping economies, public administration, and social relations, and offers broad chances to improve efficiency and upgrade sectors like industry, healthcare, education, and public services.

Dr. Al-Ali explained that this fast progress also creates complex ethical, social, and political questions. These developments, according to Dr. Al-Ali, require a carefully balanced approach that ensures responsible use of artificial intelligence. The approach should keep technological progress aligned with good governance, justice, and equal opportunities, so that innovation serves the wider public interest.

Artificial intelligence, governance frameworks, and inclusivity

Dr. Al-Ali emphasised that governance is a core component of responsible innovation in artificial intelligence. With growing reliance on intelligent systems for sensitive decisions, risks linked to transparency and accountability also increase. Dr. Al-Ali therefore underscored the need for anticipatory governance that embeds ethical standards, secures human oversight, and defines responsibilities at every stage of AI design and deployment.

Inclusivity was presented by Dr. Al-Ali as another major challenge for artificial intelligence. Dr. Al-Ali urged stronger involvement from policymakers, technology developers, civil society organisations, and everyday users in shaping AI systems. According to Dr. Al-Ali, these systems should reflect varied values and lived experiences, and avoid reinforcing narrow interests or deepening existing inequalities within and between societies.

Artificial intelligence and the global digital divide

On fair access to artificial intelligence, Dr. Al-Ali warned that the digital divide is widening between regions. Dr. Al-Ali stated that 24.7 percent of the working-age population in the Global North uses AI tools, compared with only 14.1 percent in the Global South, calling for targeted policies to close this usage gap.

Dr. Al-Ali said this disparity means capacity building should become a priority. Dr. Al-Ali pointed to open knowledge sharing and the provision of artificial intelligence tools at affordable prices as important steps. Dr. Al-Ali also stressed the need to invest in digital literacy, education, and local innovation systems to allow societies to design solutions that fit their own needs.

Artificial intelligence at Davos 2026 and key participants

The discussion was organised by TRENDS Research and Advisory at Davos Lodge in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Davos 2026. The session brought together decision makers, experts, and thought leaders from multiple regions to explore responsible innovation in artificial intelligence and its growing influence on governance, economies, and societies worldwide.

The event featured several high-profile speakers. Attendees included Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory; Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity Council for the UAE Government; Dr. Andrew Jackson, Group Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at G42; Dr. Subramanian Rangan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court Endowed Chair in Societal Progress and Professor of Strategy and Management at INSEAD; and Ren Ito, Co-founder and COO of Sakana AI, Japan.

Participants concluded that when artificial intelligence is effectively managed, it can support better public services, stronger data-based policies, and progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. They highlighted potential gains in healthcare, such as broader diagnostic access in underserved areas, and in climate and environmental governance through improved resource management and enhanced early warning systems.

With inputs from WAM