In Geneva today, President Alar Karis joined other heads of state and government, leaders of technology companies and representatives of international organisations in founding the AI for Good Global Commission to maximise the societal benefits of artificial intelligence.

"We know AI is far more than just technology," he remarked. "It will clearly transform - indeed is already transforming - education, business and society. But the driving force behind these changes, and those who ultimately benefit most from them, must be people themselves. Artificial intelligence is here to serve people, businesses and society, and its use must be secure and reliable. It must promote the economy and protect democracy."

President Karis says that for Estonia as a digital nation, joining the commission means global trust and responsibility. "The digital state we have built up over the last 25 years is now enabling us to take the next step in the use of AI in education, medicine and the public sector, and to share our knowledge with others all over the world," he said.

The head of state feels that the quickest and cheapest outcome this commission can achieve is to raise awareness among countries of both the risks and the opportunities associated with artificial intelligence. "The biggest divide we are faced with today is no longer between those who have access to AI and those who don't, because the tools themselves are largely free," he noted. "Rather it is between those who know how to use those tools and those who aren't capable of doing so."

Established under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the commission brings together heads of state and government, business leaders and representatives of international organisations to promote the responsible use of AI and maximise its positive impact on society.

The commission aims to build trust in artificial intelligence, to expand its accessibility and to find practical ways of using AI to enhance people's well-being, foster economic development and find solutions to global challenges. Particular attention will be paid to ensuring that developing countries also benefit from advances in AI and that the technology does not exacerbate digital inequality.

Gallery (Office of the President/Raigo Pajula): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCYspA