President Karis to discuss impact of AI on society at Dubai summit

For the next two days, President Alar Karis is attending the World Governments Summit in Dubai, at which he will be discussing the impact of AI on security and the long-term sustainability of society with fellow heads of state and government, senior executives from the private sector and industry leaders.

President Karis says AI is increasingly shaping the way that countries and economies function. "That has implications for security, decision-making and people's trust, which is why the development and use of AI cannot and should not be viewed in purely technological terms," he remarked. "Countries have a shared responsibility to agree on principles that will ensure AI is secure, transparent and people-first. Without international cooperation, common rules and education, the risk will grow of AI exacerbating inequality and insecurity rather than strengthening societies."

Today, the head of state will be speaking at the summit's round table about Estonia's experience as a digital nation, the responsible use of AI and the role of education in innovation.

Tomorrow, President Karis will be delivering the opening speech at a governance services forum taking place as part of the summit, at which he will focus on the role of AI in the development of public services and the shaping of digital states based on trust and people-centred governance. He will also be discussing the future of education with the director of the Fiker Institute think tank and opening an exhibition dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the birth of Estonian painter Jüri Arrak.

While in Dubai, the head of state plans to hold bilateral meetings with the heads of state of a number of other countries, focusing on regional security issues and ways of enhancing cooperation. In connection with the upcoming Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, he will also be giving a welcome speech at a reception being organised by the Estonian embassy.

The World Governments Summit is being held in Dubai from 3-5 February and will examine the role of innovation and technology in dealing with societal challenges. It will address the development of AI, education, sustainable development and economic resilience.

The summit will bring together 48 heads of state and government and 150+ government delegations, with more than 6000 participants in total. Alongside Estonia, countries as diverse as Albania, Botswana, Central African Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Georgia, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Montenegro, Paraguay, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe will be represented by their heads of state and government at the event. In addition, several Nobel laureates, representatives of companies and international organisations will be in attendance

Gallery (Raigo Pajula): https://www.flickr.com/photos/presidendikantselei/albums