By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
second edition of the Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI) has been launched,
providing a comprehensive assessment of how countries are developing governance
systems to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) is developed and deployed
responsibly.
Published
by the Global Center on AI Governance, the 2026 edition evaluates responsible
AI governance frameworks across 135 countries and jurisdictions, examining
efforts to promote human rights, inclusion, accountability and public interest
in the development of AI technologies.
The
latest index analyses publicly available evidence covering developments between
November 2023 and September 2025, assessing national approaches to AI
governance, policy frameworks, government initiatives and civil society
contributions.
According
to the Global Center on AI Governance, the 2026 assessment reviewed 396
responsible AI frameworks, 805 government initiatives and 603 civil society
initiatives, drawing on more than 68,000 individual data points.
The
launch event brought together policymakers, technology leaders and AI
governance experts, including Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation
and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani; Microsoft Chief Responsible AI Officer
Natasha Crampton; UNDP Chief Digital Officer Robert Opp; and representatives
from the Global Center on AI Governance.
The
discussions focused on the evolving global landscape of responsible AI
governance and the need for stronger systems that enable countries to harness
AI opportunities while addressing risks associated with the technology.
Dr.
Rachel Adams, CEO of the Global Center on AI Governance, and Nicolás Grossman,
Project Director of the Global Index on Responsible AI, were also part of the
launch panel that examined emerging priorities in AI governance.
The
GIRAI 2026 project is supported by the International Development Research
Centre (IDRC) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
through the Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D) programme.
The
index is expected to serve as a resource for governments, researchers, industry
stakeholders and civil society organisations working to strengthen responsible
AI ecosystems globally.
