Publication 2 October 2024

The sites & actors of AI governance

The second interim note of the AI Dialogues series organised by Renaissance Numérique

AUTHOR

  • Théophile LENOIR General Rapporteur of the AI Dialogues

The "AI Dialogues", a series of strategic discussions initiated by Renaissance Numérique, aim to enhance understanding of international governance of artificial intelligence (AI) for the benefit of civil society, while also developing practical and applicable recommendations for stakeholders involved in shaping future AI frameworks. After a successful first edition organised in Geneva, the second session of the AI Dialogues took place at UCLouvain in Brussels on 27 June, 2024. The central theme for that day was : “The Multiple Actors of International AI Governance”. This interim note summarises the output of this AI Dialogue.

Artificial intelligence is a critical focus of global policy discussions. It is viewed by some as an economic opportunity and by others as a driver of pressing social and environmental challenges. These divergent perspectives have spurred demands for global governance. However, this has itself become a contentious issue: critics claim that such efforts are either dominated by industry interests or are ineffective, while supporters and key stakeholders believe they are shaping frameworks that will guide the future.

Global AI governance seeks to enhance the benefits of AI whilst mitigating its risks. One key assumption of effective governance is therefore that it takes action to serve the interests of the general public. In practice, this means that a variety of perspectives and interests must be represented and accounted for in global governance arenas. This second note stemming from the AI Dialogues series organised by Renaissance Numérique looks at the various fora where global AI governance takes place, the actors that participate in these fora and the modalities of their participation. It presents heuristic maps that were drawn by the participants in the second AI Dialogue to describe the ways in which civil society organisations participate in governance discussions. It seeks to answer the following questions: 

  • Where does AI governance take place?
  • Who participates in AI governance?
  • How does civil society participate in AI governance?

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