The Philippines will be the first country in the World Bank's global digital and AI rollout

The World Bank has chosen the Philippines as the first country for the rollout of its Global Digital and AI Strategy, announced in Manila this week. The programme aims to widen affordable internet access, build digital skills, support responsible AI adoption and strengthen cybersecurity — with deliberate focus on underserved and far-flung communities, where a connection can decide access to school, work and public services. The selection is a vote of confidence in the Philippines' own digital agenda, which targets nationwide access by 2030. Details and funding are still to come; what is clear is who goes first, and why: a country of islands, determined to be one connected nation.

SDG 9 · Industry, innovation and infrastructure — Mechanism: institutional program