Dozens of Nations Sign AI Oversight Pact
A coalition led by Finland urges the UN to create a body for AI safety, though the US and China declined to join.
Key points
- Dozens of countries call for a UN body to set AI safety standards and verify compliance.
- The US and China have not signed the declaration, alongside France and the UK.
- Belgium has not signed yet as it was not included in the initial discussion rounds.
A group of dozens of countries has formally called for the creation of an international body to oversee artificial intelligence. The declaration, shared by Belga English, emphasizes that rapid technological advancement poses significant risks to safety and security if left unmanaged by global standards.
Signatories including Canada, Germany, and Australia argue that AI must remain under human guidance and comply with international law. They are urging United Nations member states to explore the establishment of an entity capable of setting standards, verifying compliance, and intervening when safety thresholds are breached.
Major powers opt out
The initiative faces a significant gap in participation, as the United States and China have not signed the declaration. Other major economies, including France, the United Kingdom, Japan, and India, have also declined to join, leaving the two largest AI developers outside this specific oversight framework.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is among those who did sign, signaling strong support from the European executive branch. However, the absence of the US and China complicates the goal of universal enforcement, as these nations hold the most advanced models and substantial influence over the global AI landscape.
Belgium waits for discussions
Belgium has not yet signed the document, according to government sources cited in the report. Officials explain that the country was not part of the initial round of discussions known as the AI Letter, meaning the issue has not yet been formally debated within Belgian diplomatic circles.
UN agenda focuses on risks
The push for oversight coincides with the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, where AI's impact on employment and cybersecurity is a central topic. The declaration stresses that industry, governments, and society must act immediately to harness the potential of AI while ensuring it remains subject to human supervision and control.
