ADB, UN Partners Release New Research on AI Systems as Digital Public Goods
NEW YORK—The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in collaboration with the United Nations Institute in Macau (UNU in Macau) and the United Nations Office of Digital and Emerging Technologies (UN ODET) announced the release of new research on artificial intelligence (AI) systems as digital public goods (DPGs). The research was launched during the UN Open Source Week 2026 in New York on 25 June 2026.
AI systems are increasingly being leveraged by various sectors, including development practitioners and public institutions. However, very few of these systems currently meet the DPG Standard, which defines the requirements for solutions to be considered open, reusable, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (DPGs). This gap presents a key challenge—and opportunity—for developing countries seeking to harness AI for inclusive and sustainable development. The multistakeholder study examined what needs to change in order for AI systems to become recognized as digital public goods and become truly useful and safe for the public.
The research also outlines 10 recommendations across four priority areas—Standards, Accountability, Finance, and Equity (SAFE)—to strengthen governance, improve transparency, and support the inclusive adoption of AI systems. The recommendations also sought to address capacity and infrastructure gaps that affect adoption, particularly in developing countries.
ADB joined the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) in 2024 as part of its commitment to promote open, reusable, and inclusive digital solutions that support the SDGs. DPGA is a global community of national governments, multilateral and international organizations, and for profit and nonprofit organizations with a shared commitment to using digital public goods to improve the well-being of people and the planet.
“ADB has a strong interest in ensuring that AI is developed and used responsibly,” said Yoon Choi Barker, Deputy Director General of ADB’s Information Technology Department. “We commissioned this research because we see enormous potential in AI, but we also recognize that AI is fundamentally different from traditional categories of DPGS, such as open software, content, and datasets.”
Barker was one of the panelists who discussed the research on AIDPGs at UN Open Source Week. She was joined by Serge Stinckwich, Senior Research Fellow, UNU in Macau; Omar Mohsine, UN ODET Ricardo Mirón, Chief Technology Officer (DPGA); and Yong Hua Lin, Vice President and Chief Engineer of Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence. Their session engaged a global audience of policymakers and development practitioners. The research, which is aligned with ADB’s Strategy 2030, supports the bank’s broader efforts to promote the recognition of DPGs to increase their reuse, visibility, and impact across the region.