CTO news

Artificial Intelligence has emerged as the latest technological disrupter that is increasingly driving transformation in all aspects of everyday life in industrialised nations.  For many member countries of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisations CTO), this is not the reality.  The burning question is how our governments leverage AI can in harnessing the potential of digital technologies to accelerate digital transformation.

The CTO defines digital transformation as A process that integrates digital technology into all areas of an organisation or nation, changing the operation of its people and systems to deliver value.  As a technological tool, AI can power automation, fore and future-casting, customisation, analysis and intelligent decision-making and significantly improve the transformative processes.  It must be understood, however, that the process does not stand in isolation but requires an enabling environment of policies, legislation and regulation to enable effective, safe and ethical adoption, skilled workers and the political will to make it happen.

For countries in the Commonwealth AI enabled digital transformation presents a tremendous opportunity to dramatically improve national life by making governments more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of citizens. AI will support and enhanced evidence-based policy making, customisation of services to meet the individual needs of citizens across all sectors. From AI-powered chatbots that guide citizens through healthcare benefits to dashboards tracking government spending in real time, crisis management and mitigation, technology can make governance more efficient, accountable and responsive but there must be strong ethical, legal, and inclusive frameworks to ensure that citizens are kept safe.

The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) supports harnessing AI to accelerate digital transformation and is helping member countries leverage technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric services.

Of course, challenges remain. Ethical use of artificial intelligence, safeguarding citizen privacy, and promoting digital inclusion are not just technical considerations—they are moral imperatives. When applied thoughtfully and transparently, AI-enabled digital transformation can foster trust, empower communities, and reinforce democratic values. These principles are the bedrock of the Commonwealth, and by embracing them, we ensure that technology serves all people equitably and strengthens the institutions that uphold our shared future.

To support member countries in achieving their vision of digital transformation, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) offers the Capacity Building for Development Impact (CBDI) Training Programme, a comprehensive framework designed to help governments and institutions build the skills, strategies, and governance mechanisms necessary to harness AI responsibly. Through these programmes, participants gain practical insights into developing inclusive digital policies, managing data and emerging technologies ethically, and creating sustainable innovation ecosystems that put people first.

By investing in capacity building through the CBDI Training, countries will not only accelerate their digital transformation but also ensure that progress is guided by the Commonwealth’s shared values of fairness, inclusivity, and accountability ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.