President Karis: Digital systems have become a strategic asset and a target for attacks in the AI era

Speaking at a summit of heads of state and government in Dubai today, President Alar Karis stressed that AI must be developed and used in a way that respects values and international law, since digital systems have become both a strategic asset and a target for attacks.

In his address, the head of state made a point of stating that Estonia's ambition is not merely to be faster in the digital race, but to shape forms of governance that are appropriate for the AI era. "Estonia wants to be a trusted place to test new solutions," he said. "By putting education and innovation at the heart of activities and linking technology to democratic values and international law, Estonia is not only looking to offer solutions, but also to help shape the direction we take."

President Karis added that Russia's aggression against Ukraine has clearly demonstrated how cyberspace has become the frontline of conflict. "In the current geopolitical environment, digital systems are no longer just infrastructure, but a strategic asset and a target for attacks," he cautioned. "As such, cybersecurity, resilience and legal liability must form an integral part of digital and AI solutions from the outset. Security is not a constraint on innovation, but a basis for trust and long-term sustainability."

The head of state warned that AI must not be used as a justification for violence, aggression or violations of international law, but interpret the principles of the UN Charter - including sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights and human dignity - in the same way they were understood by those who drafted them and as are understood by member states today.

Otherwise, said President Karis, a situation could arise in which false justifications and malicious interpretations become widely accepted, which is why he considers the values-based development of AI to be right and an important task for the international community.

The head of state noted that Estonia's size and digital maturity grant it a competitive edge. "Those factors, combined with our innovation culture, allow us to quickly test solutions, to improve them in a responsible way to and to openly share them," he explained.

President Karis said that Estonia is actively contributing to international cooperation in support of the development of secure and inclusive digital public infrastructure. He highlighted the country's involvement in the GovStack, Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, EU CyberNet and UN frameworks, and mentioned that digital solutions from Estonia have been adopted in around 150 countries.

The head of state also spoke of the UN's role in regard to AI, noting the Global Dialogue on AI Governance initiated by the General Assembly late last year, which offers an inclusive platform for countries and other stakeholders. "Estonia is working with El Salvador to coordinate this process," he said.

While in Dubai, President Karis also held bilateral meetings with a number of fellow heads of state and government: President Santiago Peña of Paraguay, President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of North Macedonia and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. Together they discussed security issues, as well as opportunities for closer cooperation in areas including economic relations and IT.

Yesterday, President Karis took part in a panel moderated by CNN journalist Becky Anderson in the main hall of the World Governments Summit, talking about how Estonia built up its digital state and what lessons it has learned from e-governance, as well as current foreign and security issues. The head of state also discussed AI and education with the head of the Fiker Institute think tank, and met with scientists and Nobel laureates attending the event.

Bringing together heads of state and government, senior executives from the private sector and industry leaders, the World Governments Summit is focusing on future issues and innovation. A high-level forum on the development of public services is being held as part of the event, with heads of state and government, ministers, senior executives from the public sector and experts from around the world discussing how technology, including AI, is shaping the future of governance and public services.

(Raigo Pajula/Office of the President): https://www.flickr.com/photos/presidendikantselei/albums/72177720331834029/