Singapore urges swift global AI rules and safeguards under UN framework

Singapore has urged the rapid establishment of global rules and safeguards for artificial intelligence (AI), with the United Nations (UN) playing a crucial role, during its national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly session. Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan highlighted the extraordinary potential of AI while emphasizing that its rapid advancement was outpacing the world's comprehension of its risks.

Balakrishnan stressed that protecting the global commons required collective action and rules agreed upon through an inclusive process, as the UN was the sole apex international institution with universal membership. He proposed exploring options, including the potential creation of a UN Framework Convention on AI Safeguards, and an international institution to fulfill some of the functions currently used to establish common technical standards in other domains.

Balakrishnan stressed that AI risks were borderless, necessitating a shared global understanding of how nations collectively address this challenge. Singapore is committed to contributing to this cause and has recently joined a Finland and Norway-led initiative for greater safety and security of frontier AI models. The minister affirmed the country's continued support through platforms such as the digital pillar for the Forum of Small States and by sharing its governance frameworks and testing tools with all.

However, he reiterated that the task of building trust and laying the groundwork for global cooperation must commence immediately.