Introduction
In response to the growing need for effective governance of artificial intelligence (AI), various stakeholders, including governments, multilateral organizations, and technology companies, are actively working to establish new standards and policies. Despite these efforts, a comprehensive global governance framework that ensures accountability among AI developers and users remains elusive. This text explores the initiatives and discussions aimed at fostering international cooperation and accountability in AI governance.
Description
Governments, multilateral organizations, and tech companies are increasingly responding to the need for new standards and policies to mitigate the risks associated with AI. However, a comprehensive global governance framework that ensures accountability among AI developers and users remains elusive.
To uphold democratic values and the rule of law, there is a pressing need for internationally coordinated accountability mechanisms, including global standards for AI risk management and transparent information sharing. Cross-sectoral dialogue is essential for fostering collective governance in this area.
The Sixth Edition of The Athens Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law will convene legal practitioners, developers, policymakers, and civil society representatives to discuss the implementation of accountability mechanisms by leading institutions such as the OECD, UN, and G20. The event aims to identify challenges in current governance efforts and promote collaboration across various initiatives.
As a precursor to the AI Action Summit in February 2025, the Roundtable will present findings from a global consultation that will inform the Summit’s agenda. It seeks to establish a structured dialogue among civil society organizations to enhance cooperation in holding AI actors accountable for various harms.
The Roundtable emphasizes the importance of engaging a diverse range of stakeholders in AI governance, advocating for a collective approach that prioritizes people over profits in AI development and deployment. Key participants will include government officials, industry leaders, and academic experts.
Organized by The Future Society in partnership with several prominent institutions, the Roundtable has evolved since its inception in 2019, reflecting the urgent need for actionable strategies in AI governance. An interactive livestream will allow global audiences to engage in discussions, contributing diverse perspectives to the dialogue.
The Future Society proposes three structural approaches to enhance collaboration within the AI governance network.
Conclusion
The ongoing efforts to establish a global governance framework for AI are crucial for ensuring accountability and upholding democratic values. By fostering international cooperation and engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, these initiatives aim to address the challenges posed by AI and promote a collective approach to its development and deployment. The outcomes of such discussions and collaborations have the potential to significantly influence the future of AI governance, ensuring that it aligns with societal values and priorities.
References
https://oecd.ai/en/wonk/athens-roundtable-2024
