WHO’s New Collaborating Centre for AI Governance in Healthcare
Patrick Upmann
Founder of AIGN - AI Governance Network | Interim Manager & Consultant for AI Ethics, AI Governance, and Data Privacy | EU AI Act Expert | Keynote Speaker & Workshop Leader – Driving Compliant and Ethical AI Solutions
Implications for the Future of AI Governance
The designation of the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Collaborating Centre for AI Governance in Healthcare marks a significant milestone in the development of AI governance. The Artificial Intelligence Governance Network (AIGN) strongly welcomes this initiative, as it underscores the growing recognition of AI’s transformative potential in healthcare and the necessity of robust regulatory frameworks to ensure ethical, safe, and equitable AI implementation.
AI Governance in Healthcare: A New Global Benchmark
The establishment of this Collaborating Centre signals a decisive shift toward a more structured and research-driven approach to AI governance. By integrating ethical considerations into AI systems from the outset, this initiative sets a precedent for broader AI governance strategies across various industries. The Centre’s focus on training, knowledge-sharing, and evidence-based policy development aligns with the core principles of responsible AI governance: transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
A crucial aspect of AI governance in healthcare is the balance between innovation and ethical oversight. AI applications in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient monitoring have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery. However, without stringent ethical safeguards, these advancements could lead to data privacy breaches, algorithmic biases, and unequal access to technology. WHO’s emphasis on governance ensures that the integration of AI into healthcare does not compromise fundamental human rights or exacerbate existing disparities.
Perspectives from Key Stakeholders
The recognition of the Delft Digital Ethics Centre as a WHO Collaborating Centre is not only a milestone for AI governance but also a reflection of the commitment of key stakeholders to responsible AI development.
Dr. Alain Labrique , Director of Digital Health and Innovation at WHO, emphasized WHO’s dedication to guiding the responsible use of AI in healthcare: “WHO is committed to helping Member States plan, govern, and adopt responsible AI technologies. We are witnessing remarkable progress, with AI poised to transform health systems and support individuals on their health journeys. To ensure these benefits reach everyone ethically, safely, and equitably, we rely on strong technical and academic partnerships that guide us in this rapidly evolving field.”
Professor jeroen van den hoven , Scientific Director at Delft Digital Ethics Centre, highlighted the Centre’s long-standing expertise in digital ethics: “The fruit of two decades of research in digital ethics and responsible innovation, the Delft Digital Ethics Centre is one of the frontrunners in operationalizing ethical values into design requirements for digital technologies such as artificial intelligence. We look forward to contributing to the global health community and advancing the responsible use of AI in health.”
Dr. David Novillo Ortiz , Regional Adviser and Unit Head for Data, Evidence and Digital Health at WHO’s Regional Office for Europe, underlined the importance of this collaboration in strengthening public health efforts: “The designation of the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology as a WHO Collaborating Centre strengthens our collective ability to ensure AI serves public health equitably and responsibly. This collaboration will play a critical role in supporting Member States to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI, fostering trust, transparency, and innovation in digital health.”
The establishment of the Collaborating Centre further cements WHO’s dedication to evidence-based AI governance, ensuring the responsible deployment of AI technologies while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Beyond Healthcare: Broader Implications for AI Governance
Although the Centre primarily focuses on healthcare governance, its methodologies and frameworks will likely influence AI governance across other sectors. AI ethics and digital governance are becoming increasingly relevant in finance, public administration, and security, where similar concerns regarding fairness, accountability, and transparency arise.
The collaboration between WHO and the Delft Digital Ethics Centre highlights the importance of a multi-stakeholder governance approach. Engaging academic institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders in a unified strategy can serve as a blueprint for other sectors aiming to establish ethical AI frameworks. This approach ensures that AI governance remains a dynamic and adaptive process rather than a rigid set of regulations that struggle to keep pace with technological advancements.
Strategic Priorities for Future AI Governance
The insights gained from this initiative can inform a global AI governance strategy that extends beyond healthcare, focusing on:
A Step Toward Global AI Governance Standards
WHO’s initiative illustrates the growing global consensus on the need for governance frameworks that balance AI’s opportunities with its risks. For AI governance experts, the Collaborating Centre represents a crucial step in embedding ethical principles into AI regulation, not just in healthcare but across all AI-driven domains.
This initiative also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary and cross-border cooperation. Just as AI transcends national boundaries, so too must AI governance. WHO’s move aligns with ongoing discussions on the EU AI Act, the OECD AI Principles, and the UN’s broader AI regulatory initiatives.
Conclusion
The designation of the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology as a WHO Collaborating Centre for AI Governance in Healthcare is a significant step toward establishing a global benchmark for AI governance. Its work will influence not only healthcare but also broader AI policy frameworks, ensuring that AI serves humanity equitably and ethically. This milestone reiterates the necessity of evidence-based, collaborative, and future-proof AI governance, setting the stage for more structured AI regulatory approaches worldwide.
For policymakers, AI ethicists, and industry leaders, this development is a call to action: robust AI governance is no longer optional—it is the foundation for ensuring AI’s responsible and beneficial integration into society.
AIGN as a Partner in AI Governance
The Artificial Intelligence Governance Network (AIGN) stands ready to support and collaborate with key stakeholders in this initiative. As a leading platform for AI governance and ethics, AIGN offers expertise in:
AIGN welcomes opportunities to partner with WHO, the Delft Digital Ethics Centre, and other organizations committed to shaping responsible AI governance. Together, we can ensure AI serves the global community equitably, ethically, and safely.
Conclusion
The designation of the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology as a WHO Collaborating Centre for AI Governance in Healthcare is a significant step toward establishing a global benchmark for AI governance. Its work will influence not only healthcare but also broader AI policy frameworks, ensuring that AI serves humanity equitably and ethically. This milestone reiterates the necessity of evidence-based, collaborative, and future-proof AI governance, setting the stage for more structured AI regulatory approaches worldwide.
For policymakers, AI ethicists, and industry leaders, this development is a call to action: robust AI governance is no longer optional—it is the foundation for ensuring AI’s responsible and beneficial integration into society. If your organization is working on AI governance initiatives, AIGN is here to collaborate and support you. Let’s build a responsible AI future together.
Best Regards