Responsible AI Governance: Global Lessons and International Best Practices for DCO Member States

October 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies and societies around the world, with widespread applications across sectors such as education, research, healthcare, and finance—enabled by tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney. Recognizing the growing importance of AI, the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has developed the report “Responsible AI Governance: Global Lessons and International Best Practices for DCO Member States”. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the AI landscape within DCO Member States, explores global best practices, and offers key recommendations for policymakers, industry leaders, and international cooperation actors.

The report presents two key findings. First, it outlines the two predominant global approaches to AI governance: a “soft governance approach” which favors an often voluntary, self-governance approach aimed at supporting AI investment and innovation, and a “prescriptive regulatory approach” that emphasizes more stringent enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with ethical standards. Second, it highlights the varying levels of AI readiness among the DCO Member States, which presents both opportunities and challenges for targeted interventions and collaboration.

Based on these findings, the report offers targeted recommendations for three main audiences: DCO Member State policymakers, industry stakeholders, and international cooperation actors. The recommendations aim to create a cohesive, innovative, and responsible AI ecosystem across the DCO Member States, positioning them as leaders in ethical AI development and governance.