High-level government officials from around the world on Monday emphasized the need for governance to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military, calling for “multi-stakeholder engagement” in the process.

The appeals were made during sessions at the second summit on the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM), held in Seoul, amid the lack of globally recognized frameworks for governing AI in the military sector.

The two-day summit, co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, follows the inaugural meeting in The Hague in February of last year.

South Korea’s top diplomat, Cho Tae-yul, speaks during the second Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) in Seoul on Sept. 9, 2024. (Yonhap)

South Korea’s top diplomat, Cho Tae-yul, speaks during the second Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) in Seoul on Sept. 9, 2024. (Yonhap)

Sou
th Korea’s top diplomat, Cho Tae-yul, noted that Seoul has organized the platform to shape future governance of military AI, encouraging participation from a diverse range of stakeholders.

“With the rapid development of AI, government efforts alone are not enough to establish effective governance. We need inclusive multi-stakeholder engagement,” Cho said during his opening remarks.

The second summit drew around 2,000 participants, including representatives from 90 countries, as well as delegates from institutions, think tanks, industry and civil organizations.

During a session on implementing responsible AI in the sector, panelists emphasized that REAIM avoids a top-down approach, promoting inclusivity to gather ideas and foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders, such as policymakers and non-state actors, including AI scientists.

“Inclusivity is important in AI discussions at the government level,” said Roselinda Soipan Tuya, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for defense, adding that the process must also prior
itize “sustainability.”

At the inaugural summit last year, 57 states endorsed a final declaration outlining nine specific principles for the responsible development, deployment and use of AI in the armed forces.

During Monday’s session, participants shared insights on ongoing efforts to operationalize these principles.

Radha Iyengar Plumb, chief digital and AI officer at the U.S. Department of Defense, noted the challenges due to the lack of a formal framework.

In order to be effective, REAIM needs to be more active, such as by adopting a political declaration, she said, adding that discussions with key allies and partners are crucial.

The second summit will conclude with its own declaration, named “Blueprint for Action,” to be announced Tuesday.

Source: Yonhap News Agency