Project
AI urgently needs governance and regulation and due to the transboundary nature of ArtificialIntelligence, that governance needs to be global.
The Trust started to address this aim working with partners in theWorld Federalist Movement’s Transnational Working Group on AI (TWG on AI). This led to a series of papers and events, some through the TWG on AI, and others direct.
A. Papers and blogs
A first step was the production of a joint report setting out both the problem and a proposed way forward, with clear policy recommendations on governance and regulation 'Effective, Timely & Global - The Urgent Need for Good Global Governance of AI'
This was followed by another report by the One World Trust, AI Global Governance – What are we aiming for? , building upon the first, but somewhat broadening the future pathway – not wishing minor differences to prevent collaboration towards a shared goal.
A specific solution regarding regulation was put forward by Matthew Scherer entitled "Regulating Artificial Intelligence Systems: Risks, Challenges, Competencies, and Strategies". The article was focused on national regulation and courts. Patrick Sharkey for the One World Trust explored the potential of applying Scherer's model within an international context: "AI and Global Regulation: Can Mathew Scherer's National Proposal be Implemented on the International Level?".
B. Webinars
Working with the TWG on AI, a series of interviews has been held with leading individuals operating within the AI Ethics, Governance and Regulation space.
A second series of webinars was held with the TWG on AI in theform of panel events organised with partners around the world and with speakerssharing their different perspectives on the need for AI governance and the needfor that governance to be global. Surveys were held of the participants views, indicating the aspects ofAI most in need of effective governance.
C. Engagement with negotiations
Working with the TWG on AI, the Trust has been engaged with international negotiations in two fora:
Council of Europe: the TWG on AI has had observer status at, and been actively engaging with, the Council of Europe’s Committee on AI (CAI) since January 2023. The Council of Europe's Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law was formally approved by Ministers in May 2024 and became the first binding international Treaty in this field.
United Nations: the UN Secretary General referred to the need for AI governance in reports such as his Road Map for Digital Cooperation and his Our Common Agenda report. The former led eventually to the formation of a High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence in Autumn 2023 and an interim Report by December 2023. The latter led to the establishment of the Summit of the Future in September 2024. The strand that embraces AI is the Global Digital Compact (GDC) which is being negotiated in the run up to the Summit of the Future.
The One World Trust has submitted its recommendations, via the TWG on AI or as the One World Trust to
and has contributed orally to the deliberations of the latter.
D. Engagement with Partnerships
With the aim of playing an active role in the development of AI Global Governance, the One World Trust, working with the TWG on AI, is engaged in two emerging coalitions:
i. The ImPACT Coalition on AI and Cyber
This coalition has a Side Event at the UN in New York on September 21st at an Action Day prior to the Summit of the Future on September 22nd/23rd. The prime focus however is to engage with the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, promoting a safe, just and sustainable future.
ii. The Coalition on Baruch Plan on AI (CBPAI)
There is concern however that the current AI global governance process is taking too long and risks not bein gable to enforce the necessary action to keep the world safe. The CBPAI is seeking to engage in this UN Process also and to build a global coalition based around a more radical and urgent approach. The One World Trust produced a paper AI Governance and Baruch: An Irresistible Force and an Immovable Object exploring a crucial element of the approach. Robert Whitfield, our Chair, also appeared on a London Futurists panel discussing a new proposal for AI global Governance namely The Narrow Path
