By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin has requested
for a shared global vision for artificial intelligence governance, emphasizing
the need to place humanity at the centre of one of the most transformative
technologies of the modern era.
Speaking at the opening of
the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Bogdan-Martin said the
international community has reached a pivotal moment in shaping the future of
artificial intelligence and highlighted dialogue as the foundation for building
consensus among governments, industry, academia and civil society.
She noted that despite
differing national priorities and perspectives, sustained international
cooperation is essential to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a
manner that is safe, inclusive and beneficial to all.
Bogdan-Martin said the ITU,
which has supported global cooperation through successive waves of
technological change since its establishment in 1865, remains committed to
facilitating collaboration on AI governance and future emerging technologies.
The Global Dialogue on AI
Governance forms part of Geneva Digital Week, which brings together several
major international events focused on digital development and emerging
technologies, including the AI for Good Global Summit and the World Summit on
the Information Society (WSIS) Forum.
According to the ITU, the
programme has been structured to connect high-level policy discussions with
technical expertise, consultations involving civil society, development
priorities, investment opportunities and practical artificial intelligence
solutions.
The Global Dialogue has
attracted representatives from governments, international organizations, the
private sector and academia to explore approaches to responsible AI governance,
international cooperation, digital inclusion and sustainable development.
The discussions are expected
to contribute to ongoing global efforts to establish coordinated governance
frameworks that promote innovation while ensuring that artificial intelligence
serves the interests of people and societies worldwide.
