AI of Humanity, by Humanity, and for Humanity: Speech by Luc Frieden at the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance

Mr Secretary-General,

Co-Chairs,

Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Technological progress has shaped the fortunes of generations throughout history. And AI is a technology of our time, of our generation.

While artificial intelligence is a concept that continues to evolve, from generative AI to agentic AI and maybe tomorrow to superintelligence, the real question is whether this evolving AI will bring humanity closer together or drive us apart.

An AI people can trust

"Our objective should be clear: to build an AI that people trust."

The Global Digital Compact gives us the right ambition: to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared by all. That commitment must now become a reality. Our objective should be clear: to build an AI that people trust. Because like any technology, AI is value neutral. And that means, it presents us with a choice. A choice of what we make of it, how we use it, and for what ends.

A collective responsibility

"Multilateralism is not optional; it is essential."

This choice cannot be made by any country alone. Protecting human dignity, defending democracy, safeguarding human rights, including those of the most vulnerable, especially children, and ensuring that AI contributes to sustainable development, these are collective responsibilities. This is why multilateralism is not optional; it is essential.

History teaches us that whenever transformative technologies reshape our societies, international norms and institutions must adapt too. This is a huge challenge for us as political leaders.

Our responsibility is not to choose between innovation and protection. We must advance both together. Therefore, I strongly believe that we must build an international framework that allows AI to develop in a safe, trustworthy and human-centered way.

Take the military application of AI as a very real and concerning example. As AI integrates into defence systems and the conduct of warfare, human judgement and responsibility must never be surrendered in decisions over life or death. This is why I believe that wherever voluntary principles fall short, we must be prepared to establish binding international rules.

Mesdames et messieurs,

Etablir des normes communes n'est pas synonyme d'uniformité. Nos normes doivent permettre l'épanouissement de notre diversité linguistique et culturelle. C'est là une conviction profonde non seulement de mon pays, le Luxembourg, mais de l'unité des Nations Unies. Nous ne voulons pas d'une IA qui uniformise le monde. Nous voulons une IA capable de refléter la diversité des langues, des cultures et des sociétés.

An AI of humanity

"We need an AI of humanity, by humanity, and for humanity."

In Brussels, I recently argued for an AI of Europe, by Europe, and for Europe. Today, let me broaden that ambition here for all the Peoples of the United Nations. Echoing what Secretary-General António Guterres said at the beginning, we need an AI of humanity, by humanity, and for humanity. One that serves every society, benefits every nation and remains accountable to us all.

Thank you.