Keynote speech, delivered by H.E. Ebba Busch, Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, at the Summit of the Future Action Days Session: Laying the Foundations of A Digital Future for All, New York, 21 September 2024
- check against delivery -
Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen.
We are living in an era where digital and emerging technologies are reshaping every aspect of our lives.
The digital transformation presents us with unprecedented opportunities to accelerate our work towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
To fulfill those opportunities, we need to cooperate across all levels, including the UN.
Sweden, together with Zambia, has had the honor of facilitating the negotiations on the Global Digital Compact, that we are soon going to adopt.
The Compact outlines our collective commitment to a digital future that is inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, and secure.
It seeks to close the digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals.
Sweden is home to some of the most innovative companies in the world that are enabling and driving the global digital transition forward.
But to truly harness the power of digital technology for a better and more sustainable future, we need an approach that involves all stakeholders.
It is only by bringing together excellent researchers, innovative companies, efficient authorities, and multilateral organizations so that we can create a well-functioning innovation system that works for everyone.
AI plays a central role in this context.
It has the potential to revolutionize how we work, learn, and connect with one another. Yet, we must also acknowledge the challenges and risks that come with it.
Like most technologies, AI can be used for both good and harm. This is why it is crucial that we work together to establish common norms and governance structures that guide the use of AI in such a way that it truly benefits humanity.
And at the same time limit its proliferation into areas of use that may threaten our common security, development, and future.
We need a global conversation to build a shared understanding of both the opportunities and challenges of AI.
In this regard, I want to emphasize the Compact’s initiative to launch a Global Dialogue on AI Governance, which engages governments and stakeholders in developing standards that prioritize human rights, safety, and sustainability.
Increased investment will be crucial to scale up AI capacity building for sustainable development.
Taking into account the recommendations of the High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, the GDC encourages the establishment of a Global Fund on AI that is complementary to relevant UN funding mechanisms.
Additionally, an International Scientific Panel on AI could offer valuable guidance to the global community on AI development.
Sweden has long championed an open, free, and secure internet, and we believe that digital technology should be used to strengthen human rights.
We have a responsibility to turn our vision of a digital future into concrete actions that make a real difference.
This means we must collaborate across borders and sectors, and we must all take responsibility to ensure that the digital transformation benefits everyone.
Sweden is committed to continuing its leadership in this global process. We look forward to working with all of you to unlock the potential of digitalization and to ensure that we build a future where digital technology truly serves all of humanity.
Thank you!