Global Leaders Unite for Ethical AI Governance at Paris Summit
At the Paris AI Summit on Tuesday, a total of 61 countries endorsed a joint declaration advocating for “open, inclusive, and ethical” artificial intelligence (AI).
The summit, held at the Grand Palais, saw significant participation from nations including France, India, and China, who collectively emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to AI governance, Anadolu Agency reported.
The declaration marks a pivotal moment, as it addresses AI’s intersection with energy for the first time in a multilateral setting. It calls for increased awareness of AI’s impact on the labor market and promotes technologies that can positively influence the sector’s future. Signatories underscored the importance of preventing market monopolization to enhance AI accessibility and stressed the need for sustainable AI practices that prioritize security and reliability.
Notably, the United States and the United Kingdom chose not to sign the declaration, citing national interests and regulatory concerns. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed a desire for international collaboration while warning against excessive regulation and partnerships with “authoritarian regimes.” He stated, “The United States wants to partner with all of you,” emphasizing that regulatory frameworks should encourage innovation rather than hinder it.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking at the summit, called for immediate global action on AI governance. He urged world leaders to support the establishment of an international scientific panel to bridge knowledge gaps and promote a common understanding of AI’s risks and benefits. Guterres highlighted the Global Digital Compact as a foundational agreement for aligning global AI efforts, reinforcing the necessity for inclusivity in discussions about AI governance.
He also addressed disparities in AI development, advocating for enhanced investment in capacity-building for developing nations. “We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure,” he stated, framing this initiative as both an economic necessity and a moral imperative.
In closing, Guterres raised critical ethical questions surrounding AI deployment, urging a collective effort to ensure that AI serves humanity as a whole. “AI is not standing still – neither can we,” he concluded, calling for an inclusive approach to shaping the future of AI.
