AI Governance at IGF 2025: Striking the Balance Between Global Cooperation and Local Needs
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the question of AI governance has taken center stage in global discussions. The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025 brought together a panel of experts who unanimously agreed on the fundamental principles that should underpin AI governance: inclusivity, context-awareness, and a strong foundation in human rights.
Inclusivity in AI governance means ensuring that a diverse range of voices are heard in the decision-making processes that shape AI policies and regulations. This includes not only governments and technology companies but also civil society organizations, academia, and marginalized communities who are often most affected by AI technologies. By bringing together stakeholders with different perspectives and interests, inclusive AI governance can help to create policies that are more balanced and reflective of the needs of society as a whole.
Moreover, the panellists at IGF 2025 emphasized the importance of AI governance being context-aware. This means recognizing that the impact of AI technologies can vary significantly depending on the cultural, social, and economic context in which they are deployed. What works in one country or community may not necessarily work in another, and AI governance frameworks must be flexible enough to adapt to these differences. By taking into account the specific contexts in which AI technologies are used, policymakers can ensure that their decisions are more effective and relevant to the needs of local populations.
At the core of AI governance, according to the experts at IGF 2025, should be a commitment to upholding human rights. AI technologies have the potential to either enhance or undermine human rights, depending on how they are designed and implemented. By grounding AI governance in human rights principles, policymakers can help to ensure that AI technologies are used in ways that respect and protect the rights of all individuals. This includes the right to privacy, freedom of expression, non-discrimination, and the right to a fair trial, among others.
One of the key challenges in AI governance is striking the right balance between global cooperation and local needs. While there is a need for international collaboration to address common challenges and ensure consistency across borders, it is also essential to take into account the specific needs and priorities of local communities. What works in one country may not necessarily work in another, and AI governance frameworks must be able to accommodate this diversity.
For example, a facial recognition technology that is trained primarily on data from one ethnic group may not be accurate when applied to individuals from other ethnicities. In such cases, local communities may have specific concerns about the potential for bias and discrimination, which may not be adequately addressed by a one-size-fits-all approach to AI governance. By taking a more localized and context-specific approach, policymakers can better respond to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies in different regions.
In conclusion, the discussions at IGF 2025 highlighted the importance of AI governance being inclusive, context-aware, and rooted in human rights. By embracing these principles and finding the right balance between global cooperation and local needs, policymakers can help to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in ways that benefit society as a whole. As AI continues to play an increasingly important role in our lives, it is essential that we work together to create governance frameworks that are both effective and ethical.
AI governance, IGF 2025, global cooperation, local needs, human rights.