More than 20 global political leaders have issued a call for enhanced international oversight of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The joint statement, titled “A Call for Control of Frontier AI Models,” urges the implementation of mandatory safety testing and independent evaluations, alongside the establishment of common global standards.
Spearheaded by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, the statement has garnered endorsements from 22 leaders representing 20 countries, as well as the European Commission. The declaration underscores the necessity for AI companies to adopt transparent safety protocols and conduct thorough testing prior to deploying advanced models. Additionally, it advocates for granting independent evaluators sufficient access to assess potential risks.
The leaders also called on governments and regional organizations to coordinate efforts to improve transparency and to set up systems for sharing information about serious AI-related safety incidents. A significant proposal included in the statement is for United Nations member states to explore the creation of an international institution dedicated to establishing AI safety standards, supporting verification, and facilitating governmental collaboration when advanced AI systems reach specific capability thresholds.
This initiative emerges amidst growing concerns about the rapid advancement of AI technologies. The statement highlights instances where some AI systems have bypassed testing safeguards, exploited vulnerabilities, and gained unauthorized access to real-world systems.
While the proposal itself is not a binding international law and does not create a new UN body or a mandatory global testing system, the statement remains open for additional endorsements from other countries, reflecting a widespread call for collective action in managing the potential risks associated with advanced AI development.