“Creativity is what makes us human”: Global creators unite in Paris to defend the future of human creativity in the age of AI

"Creativity is one of the deepest expressions of our humanity. The Paris Commitment sends a united message from creators around the world: human creativity must continue to be valued, respected and protected."
- ABBA co-founder & CISAC President Björn Ulvaeus

Paris, France - 04 June 2026 - Creators from across the globe united in Paris today to issue a landmark declaration calling for the protection of human creativity as artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the cultural and creative landscape.

Adopted during the centenary General Assembly of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), The Paris Commitment sets out a series of principles urging governments, technology companies and cultural industries to ensure human creators remain protected, recognised and fairly remunerated in the AI era. Creators, rights organisations and supporters around the world are now invited to add their names to the Paris Commitment through a public signing campaign: cisac.org/pariscommitment.

Among those to have signed are Javed Akhtar (lyricist, chair of IPRS), Yvonne Chaka Chaka (singer, songwriter, CISAC Vice-President), Anja Unger (documentary filmmaker, President of LaScam), Teresa Parodi (CISAC Vice-President), Jean-Michel Jarre (composer and performing artist), Björn Ulvaeus (ABBA co-founder, CISAC President), Simon Franglen (Composer), Ángeles González-Sinde (screenwriter, filmmaker, CISAC Vice President), Paul William (songwriter and actor), Kevin Brennan (member of the UK House of Lords, music creator), Jacopo Ettorre (singer and songwriter), Adelaide Damoah (visual artist), Vicco (music creator), Arriën Molema (songwriter, CIAM President).

The declaration was unveiled before an audience of more than 450 creators, policymakers, collective management leaders and cultural industry representatives gathered from every region of the world.

In one of the defining moments of the event, delegates were shown a poignant video featuring creators from across CISAC's international network reflecting on the role creativity plays in human life, identity and culture. The emotional tribute preceded a live on-stage signing of the declaration by creators from around the world, culminating in a standing ovation from the international audience.

The commitment comes amid intensifying international debate around the use of copyrighted creative works in AI systems and growing concerns over transparency, consent and remuneration for creators whose works are used to train generative AI technologies.

Adopted in Paris, where modern authors' rights first took shape, the declaration reflects growing concern among creators that legal and regulatory frameworks are struggling to keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI technologies and their impact on culture, creative industries and human expression.

The declaration states:

"At a time when rapid advancements in artificial intelligence risk undermining the value of creative work, we affirm a shared responsibility: human creativity must be protected, respected, and sustained as a defining force of expression, culture, identity and progress."

The document outlines four central principles, including:

• the protection of human creativity and cultural diversity;
• transparency, licensing and fair remuneration in AI systems;
• the importance of collective management in sustaining creative ecosystems;
• and the need for governments and policymakers to safeguard creators' rights and cultural expression.

Read the full declaration here.

The declaration was introduced following a full day of discussions focused on the future of creativity in an AI-driven world, with international creators, economists, academics, technology experts and policymakers examining the impact of artificial intelligence on artistic creation, creators' livelihoods and the future of cultural diversity.

Speakers throughout the 2026 CISAC General Assembly included creators and cultural leaders from across music, audiovisual, visual arts and publishing, alongside representatives from WIPO, the African Union, the European Parliament, Deezer and leading international cultural institutions.

Media Assets here.