What should AI governance look like from the perspective of emerging economies?
As countries race to develop AI capabilities and regulatory frameworks, this question is becoming increasingly important for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers alike.
Mandala Consulting contributed Indonesia’s perspective to this discussion at Shanghai Forum 2026 on 24-26 April 2026, hosted by Fudan University. The forum is one of Asia’s leading international platforms for dialogue on geopolitics, economics, and technology, bringing together experts from government, academia, business, and international organizations.
Our Lead Consultant, Fahmi Islami, participated in the session “North-South Cooperation Pathway for Global AI Governance,” alongside speakers from institutions including Bocconi University, Sungkyunkwan University, and the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies.
Drawing on Mandala’s research and policy work, we shared perspectives on Indonesia’s evolving AI governance landscape, including:
- The current state of AI regulation and governance in Indonesia;
- Global frameworks shaping policy discussions, including the EU AI Act, UNESCO readiness methodologies, and OECD AI principles;
- Challenges facing developing economies, such as talent shortages, digital divides, and competition for AI-related investment;
- The importance of evidence-based, innovation-friendly regulation; and
- Opportunities for stronger regional and international cooperation in AI governance.
These perspectives are also reflected in Fudan Report Series Vol. 124 (2025 No. 8), Chapter 2: “Global Expert Insights in Global AI Governance”, which compiles insights from experts across different countries and disciplines on the future of AI governance.
We believe that effective AI governance cannot be developed in isolation. As AI becomes a major driver of economic and social transformation, stronger participation from developing economies will be essential to building governance frameworks that are not only safe and effective, but also inclusive and responsive to diverse national contexts.
Learn more about Shanghai Forum 2026: ShanghaiForum2026