Nordic Statement at the Intergovernmental consultations on the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance

Excellencies, Co-facilitators, dear colleagues,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Countiries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland Norway and Sweden.

We welcome the commencement of the negotiation for the establishment of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance, as outlined in the Global Digital Compact. In this respect, allow me to congratulate Costa Rica and Spain for your leadership in conducting an inclusive process on these key proposals for global AI governance. I can assure you of the Nordic countries' full support.

The Nordic region, renowned for our strong commitment to innovation, technology, and sustainable development has since long harnessed the power of technology to drive economic and social growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens. Our collective dedication to research, development, coupled with a robust educational system, has positioned us at the forefront of the global technological landscape.

The rapid development of AI technologies represents a major paradigm shift, impacting our citizens and societies in countless ways. In the Nordic countries, we are leveraging AI to enhance productivity, foster innovation, enhance public services and address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Our approach to AI is deeply rooted in the respect for human rights and our values of equality, transparency, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility, ensuring that technological advancements benefit all members of society.

As we navigate the complexities of AI governance, the Nordic countries are committed to contributing to fostering a collaborative and multistakeholder approach while laying the ground for global AI governance.

Let me highlight key principles that we believe should guide the work of global AI governance:

1. [Human Rights]: The Nordic countries are committed to a human-rights based approach to AI governance. We believe that AI should be developed and used in ways that respect and promote human rights, online and offline, ensuring that technology serves humanity
2. [Multistakeholder]: We recognize the need for an inclusive multistakeholder approach on AI governance. This inclusive approach ensures diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering more robust and effective AI governance.
3. [Gender Equality]: Gender equality is a cornerstone of Nordic societies. We emphasize the importance of gender-balanced representation in AI development and governance. This includes promoting women's participation in STEM fields and ensuring that AI technologies do not perpetuate gender biases.
4. [Innovation]: The Nordic countries are leaders in innovation. AI is a powerful catalyst for innovation, transforming industries and creating new opportunities for growth and development and solving global challenges, such as climate change and social inequality.
5. [Sustainability]: AI systems should be developed and used to promote environmental sustainability. This includes minimizing energy consumption and using renewable resources. AI should also help address environmental challenges like climate change.
6. Finally, we would like to highlight the need to have adequate mechanisms for human agency and oversight in place in AI systems. Human oversight, and accountability, must be preserved across its lifecycle in order to mitigate safety and security risks.

Let me now turn to the questions.

On the Panel:

• The mandate of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI should be to provide unbiased, evidence-based and scientific guidance on AI development, risks, benefits, and opportunities. It should promote a common understanding of AI capabilities and help bridge knowledge gaps.
• The Panel should be multidisciplinary, inclusive, and globally diverse, with balanced geographical and gender representation. It should include experts from various fields such as technology, ethics, law, and social sciences. The governance structure should ensure independence and transparency.
• The Panel should deliver regular scientific assessments on AI's impact, risks, and opportunities, ideally on an annual basis, and on ad hoc basis as deemed necessary. These assessments should cover various aspects, including ethical, social, economic, and environmental impacts of AI. The panel should not make policy recommendations.

On the Dialogue:

• The Dialogue should foster common ground and aim to enhance Member States’ and other stakeholders’ understanding of the state-of-the-art AI policy and governance approaches, This includes understanding the opportunities, risks, and impacts of AI on all aspects of life for individuals, communities, and the international community.
• Additionally, the Dialogue should address information gaps and capacity building by promoting transparent information sharing and collaboration, ensuring that all participants have access to the latest knowledge and best practices in AI governance. However, the dialogue should not lead to negotiaited outcomes.
• The Dialogue should emphasize the importance of upholding human rights in AI applications and preventing misuse. It should aim to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used in ways that are ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy.
• The Dialogue should be structured as a series of regular meetings, both virtual and in-person, held in conjunction with existing UN conferences and summits. This format allows for broad participation and continuous engagement. It should also promote collaboration with, and build on, existing and emerging initiatives and organizations.

Cross-cutting

• The Panel should provide scientific and technical expertise to inform the Dialogue. This ensures that the discussions in the Dialogue are based on the latest research and evidence.
• The Panel should regularly share its reports and findings with the Dialogue participants, helping to shape policy and governance frameworks. The Dialogue participants should use the Panel's insights to promote international cooperation and interoperability in AI governance.
• Both the Panel and the Dialogue should leverage and coordinate with existing UN and other multilateral initiatives, such as the Global Digital Compact and UNESCO's recommendation on AI ethics . The UN system should support these efforts by providing resources and facilitating collaboration.
• These collaboration mechanisms aim to create a coherent and inclusive approach to global AI governance, promoting innovation while managing risks and protecting human rights.  The promotion and protection of human rights and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals should be at the core of both mechanisms.

The Nordic countries remain committed to engaging constructively with all stakeholders throughout this process.

Thank you.