As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to advance, countries around the world are increasingly recognizing the need for international collaboration to manage its risks while harnessing its benefits. In this context, Singapore has aligned itself with the European Union and 19 other nations, advocating for stronger global oversight and safety measures concerning frontier AI models.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore emphasized the importance of international partnerships to ensure AI remains beneficial and under human control. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Wong highlighted that AI risks are not confined by national borders, underscoring the necessity for a coordinated global response.
The joint declaration, adopted during the assembly, acknowledges AI’s potential to enhance quality of life, boost economic growth, and advance scientific research. However, it also cautions against the potential dangers posed by rapidly evolving frontier AI models that could pose significant safety and security risks if not properly managed.
In response, the signatory countries are urging UN member states to leverage existing international frameworks and consider establishing a new international body dedicated to frontier AI. This proposed institution would be tasked with setting standards, facilitating verification processes, and coordinating response efforts when AI systems achieve significant capabilities.
The declaration also calls for the development of common AI standards among governments, improved transparency, and shared methodologies for reporting serious AI safety incidents. It stresses the need for broader access to scientific expertise and reliable AI evaluation capabilities across different regions.
AI companies are encouraged to enhance their safety protocols, including pre-deployment testing and independent risk evaluations. Notably, Singapore is the only Southeast Asian nation to endorse the declaration so far. Absent from the list of signatories are the United States and China, both leading powers in the AI sector. The declaration remains open for additional countries to join in supporting stronger safeguards for frontier AI.