G20 Summit: AI Has Risks But Also Offers Tremendous Opportunities, Says European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen

G20 Summit 2023: Von der Leyen that even AI pioneers are urging political leaders to establish regulatory measures.

Von der Leyen underscored the pressing need to effectively harness the rapidly evolving AI technology.

Source : Getty

In her address during Session III of the G20 event themed 'One Future,' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the growing significance of the digital realm in shaping our future. She drew attention to the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure in this evolving landscape, acknowledging both the inherent risks and abundant opportunities associated with AI. 

Von der Leyen underscored the pressing need to effectively harness the rapidly evolving technology, noting that even AI pioneers are urging political leaders to establish regulatory measures. She stressed that the choices made today will profoundly influence our tomorrow, calling upon Europe and its global partners to collaboratively construct a comprehensive global framework for managing AI risks. Such a framework, she argued, should not only mitigate systemic societal risks but also encourage investments in safe and responsible AI systems. Von der Leyen proposed that this effort should ultimately extend to engage the wider United Nations community.

Furthermore, the European Commission President invoked the analogy of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in addressing AI challenges. She urged for the establishment of a similar body, comprising scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators, to provide expertise on the risks and benefits posed by AI to humanity.

Shifting her focus, Von der Leyen commended the role of Digital Public Infrastructures in bolstering emerging economies. She highlighted India's commendable success in deploying such infrastructures and expressed strong support for the initiative championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These infrastructures, she asserted, hold the potential to significantly propel economic development in burgeoning nations.

On Saturday, PM Modi announced that the G20 had reached a unanimous agreement, attributing this achievement to the collective efforts of all participating teams. He also revealed the adoption of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Summit Declaration. Notably, the declaration addressed the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), with world leaders committing to a "pro-innovation regulatory/governance approach" that aims to maximise AI's benefits while considering associated risks.

According to the statement, in a swiftly evolving global landscape, the advancement of AI carries the potential to stimulate worldwide economic prosperity and growth. The commitment outlined in the declaration emphasises the responsible utilisation of AI for the greater good, with a focus on inclusivity and a human-centred approach. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of safeguarding individuals' rights and safety while addressing the challenges presented by AI.