UK to host world’s first artificial intelligence summit to address safety concerns and maximize potential, announces PM Sunak
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed plans for Britain to host the world’s first summit on artificial intelligence later this year. The aim of the summit is to establish a common approach among countries in mitigating the risks associated with AI while harnessing its transformative capabilities.
In Washington, ahead of his meeting with US President Joe Biden, Sunak emphasized the need to ensure the safe and secure development and utilization of AI. He expressed confidence in the ability of countries to leverage new technologies for the benefit of humanity, drawing on historical precedents.
The summit, set to take place in the autumn, will bring together “like-minded countries” to shape a regulatory response, according to Sunak’s spokesperson. This initiative follows a call for action by the G7 during a meeting in Japan last month.
The spokesperson dismissed suggestions that the summit aimed to counter the exploitation of AI by authoritarian regimes such as China and Russia. However, the United States and the European Union have already initiated their own direct dialogues on AI, while the UK seeks to establish a global regulator for the technology in the post-Brexit era.
Sunak refuted concerns that the UK would be sidelined, citing the country’s leadership and strength in AI based on factors such as the number of companies, investment, and research quality.
Despite the age difference between Sunak, 43, and President Biden, 80, the UK Prime Minister dismissed suggestions that the US President was disconnected from the advancements in AI. Sunak confirmed that AI had been discussed during the G7 summit in Japan and acknowledged Biden’s awareness of the challenges and opportunities posed by the technology. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration in protecting countries against future threats.
The upcoming UK summit has garnered support from the United States, indicating a joint effort to address AI-related concerns and foster international cooperation.
