WHO Designates Delft University’s Digital Ethics Centre as Collaborating Centre for AI in Health Governance.
Geneva:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized the Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands as a WHO Collaborating Centre on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for health governance.
This milestone marks a new chapter in the collaboration between the WHO and the Digital Ethics Centre, renowned for its leadership in integrating ethical principles into the design of digital technologies. The centre, with its decades-long track record in responsible innovation, will now play a pivotal role in advancing the ethical and responsible use of AI in healthcare systems worldwide.
AI has immense potential to transform healthcare by improving patient outcomes, enhancing efficiency, and even saving lives. However, the effective and equitable integration of AI into health systems requires a framework grounded in strong governance, ethical standards, and evidence-based policies. This collaboration aims to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, promoting safety, equity, and access for all populations.
Dr. Alain Labrique, WHO’s Director of Digital Health and Innovation, emphasized the importance of global cooperation in this rapidly evolving field. “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,” Dr. Labrique said.
The WHO Collaborating Centre on AI for Health Governance will play an instrumental role in WHO’s ongoing efforts to shape the ethical implementation of AI in healthcare. It will advance research on priority topics related to AI governance and provide expert input for WHO’s policy development and guidance efforts. Additionally, the Centre will facilitate global knowledge-sharing and provide essential training through workshops and consultations at the regional and country levels.
Professor Jeroen van den Hoven, Scientific Director at Delft University’s Digital Ethics Centre, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership. “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,” he said.
The Centre’s collaboration with the Responsible and Ethical AI for Healthcare Lab, a joint initiative between Delft University and its partners, will offer vital insights into overcoming the challenges associated with implementing WHO’s AI guidance in clinical settings. Dr. David Novillo-Ortiz, Regional Adviser and Unit Head for Data, Evidence, and Digital Health at WHO’s Regional Office for Europe, highlighted the importance of this partnership in supporting WHO Member States in navigating AI’s opportunities and challenges. “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,” Dr. Novillo-Ortiz noted.
As a WHO Collaborating Centre, Delft’s Digital Ethics Centre will further WHO’s commitment to evidence-based AI governance, ensuring the ethical use of AI technologies across global health systems. Through this designation, the WHO aims to continue promoting the responsible and safe application of AI, upholding the highest standards of ethics and equity in the health sector.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the global effort to harness the power of AI to improve public health while safeguarding fundamental human rights and dignity.
