Arising from the political and economic ambitions of a plurality of players with often divergent interests, the international framework of artificial intelligence (AI) is an acute reflection of contemporary geopolitical tensions.

The risks inherent to the development and mass adoption of AI, a key technology and vector of profound transformations within societies for health, education, employment or the environment, underline the pressing need to harmonize governance efforts at the international level.

Global governance of AI relies on the ability of state and non-state players to set common standards on technological risks, the boundaries to be drawn, and the principles to be safeguarded. These endeavors aim to promote the safe development of AI that is universal, adapted to cultural diversities, free from bias, and respectful of democratic values and fundamental rights and freedoms.

However, residual political, economic and legal challenges exacerbated by the limits of existing regulatory frameworks – in the face of increasing balkanization of governance approaches and fragmentation of the international community – considerably complicate the implementation of such an initiative.

Given the intrinsically evolving nature of AI, it is vital to build an adaptable and flexible “future-proof” governance framework capable of anticipating and adjusting to technical advances.

The Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence to be held in Paris in February is an unprecedented timely occasion to agree on a shared vision of AI governance that is sustainable and inclusive. For decision-makers, it’s an opportunity to better grasp the evolution of practices, regulatory shortcomings, the interests influencing the agreements under construction, and the compromises needed to frame AI on a global scale in the years to come.