Global Partnership on AI Adopts New Delhi Declaration for Safe and Trusted AI

New Delhi, December 13: The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), a coalition of 29 nations, has unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration, pledging their commitment to a collaborative approach for AI applications that benefit people and create a global governance framework for safe and trusted AI. The declaration also seeks to ensure that AI and its benefits are inclusive and available to all countries, including those in the Global South, stated Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for IT and Electronics, during a briefing at the ongoing GPAI Summit 2023.

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Unanimous Adoption of the New Delhi Declaration

The New Delhi Declaration marks a significant milestone in international collaboration on AI, as the technology becomes increasingly mainstream and sparks intense global debate about its transformative potential and associated risks. Chandrasekhar highlighted the 4.5-hour ministerial council meeting where all 29 GPAI partner countries unanimously adopted the declaration. This declaration positions GPAI at the forefront of shaping the future of AI in terms of innovation and collaborative AI between partner nations, with a focus on applications in healthcare, agriculture, and other areas of mutual concern.

GPAI's Role in Shaping AI Governance

Member nations of GPAI recognize the partnership's central role in shaping the future of AI governance and leading conversations on safe and trusted AI. GPAI's 29 members include influential countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and others. The partnership emphasizes inclusivity, aiming to include countries from the Global South and make the benefits of AI, its platforms, and solutions accessible to all people worldwide.

Commitment to Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI

According to the declaration, GPAI members reaffirm their commitment to advancing safe, secure, and trustworthy AI within their respective jurisdictions. This includes developing relevant regulations, policies, standards, and other initiatives. Chandrasekhar emphasized the rapid transformation of the AI landscape in the past year and the urgent need for countries to collaborate in harnessing AI for the common good while addressing safety issues, risks, and harms. GPAI is poised to play a crucial role in establishing a global understanding of how to deal with these challenges and making safe and trusted AI the norm.

Collaboration and Expansion of GPAI

Given the rapid expansion of AI, the 29 GPAI countries recognize the importance of working together and being nimble in driving the approach to AI. Almost every country today shares the dual objectives of harnessing the power of AI and ensuring its safety and trustworthiness. Over the coming months, GPAI will work collectively to establish broad principles and guardrails, potentially convening a mid-term sitting to discuss these guidelines. While GPAI currently comprises 29 members with a shared vision, the intention is to expand the membership to other like-minded countries, aligning with the objectives of inclusiveness.

Addressing Contemporary AI Issues

The New Delhi Declaration acknowledges the need to harness new opportunities and mitigate risks arising from the development, deployment, and use of AI. This includes concerns around misinformation and disinformation, unemployment, lack of transparency and fairness, protection of intellectual property and personal data, and threats to human rights and democratic values. The declaration emphasizes the importance of equitable access to resources to enable societies to benefit from and build competitive AI solutions.

The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) has taken a significant step forward with the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. This declaration underscores the commitment of 29 nations to collaborate on AI applications that benefit people and create a global governance framework for safe and trusted AI. As AI continues to reshape the world, GPAI is poised to play a leadership role in addressing contemporary AI issues, maximizing benefits, and mitigating associated risks.