Japan's Kishida Pledges Global Leadership in AI Regulation
At the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to take the lead in formulating global regulations on the appropriate use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. He expressed appreciation for the launch of the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, established as part of the Hiroshima AI Process agreed upon at the G7 summit in 2023.
Kishida emphasized the need for collaboration among nations to address the opportunities and risks presented by AI, aiming for safe, secure, and trustworthy AI development. This initiative comes amidst concerns about the potential misuse of generative AI tools for spreading disinformation and its impact on democracy and political stability.
Beyond AI regulation, Kishida also committed to working with OECD members on tackling climate change and promoting free and open investment and trade. He welcomed the establishment of the Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches, highlighting the urgency of addressing the climate crisis through global collaboration.
On the international trade front, Kishida expressed his readiness to collaborate in maintaining and strengthening a "rules-based, free and fair economic order," with the World Trade Organization at its core. He also emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation on economic resilience and security, including addressing economic coercion and non-market practices.
Furthermore, Kishida pledged to support the expansion of OECD membership to include economies from Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. He affirmed Japan's role as a bridge between the OECD and the Asian region, contributing to the organization's continued leadership in the global economy.
Kishida's visit to Paris marked the first stop on his six-day overseas trip, which will also include visits to Brazil and Paraguay during Japan's Golden Week holiday period in early May.