The Second Global AI Safety Summit

The second Global AI Safety Summit has unfolded during the period May 21-22, 2024, under the joint auspices of the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom, as a sequel to the inaugural event which was held in the UK to further the dialogue on AI safety, innovation, and inclusivity. Yet, despite its noble intentions, the Seoul summit struggled to match the groundbreaking success of its predecessor.

The first summit, held in the UK at Bletchley Park in 2023, was a historic event that culminated in the Bletchley Declaration - a commitment by 28 countries to ensure responsible AI development. It set a high bar with tangible initiatives like the creation of AI safety institutes and the formation of an advisory panel of international AI experts.

The Seoul summit has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government leaders, industry giants, and civil society advocates. Notably, ministerial level representatives from 28 countries graced the event, alongside leading technologists from OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, and Google DeepMind.

The summit’s agenda included sessions that delved into the advancement of AI safety protocols, the fostering of innovation, and the promotion of inclusivity within the AI sphere. The Seoul Ministerial Statement, a document embodying South Korea’s vision for AI and semiconductor technologies, has emerged as a pivotal outcome, representing a unified commitment to enhancing AI safety, fostering innovation and ensuring inclusivity. Additionally, a group of tech companies pledged to responsibly develop AI and address social challenges through the Seoul AI Business Pledge.

The second Global AI Safety Summit in Seoul was a testament to the ongoing commitment to AI safety. Despite the Seoul summit’s achievements, some attendees felt it lacked the pioneering spirit of the UK summit, with some countries not in attendance, notably Canada. The Bletchley Declaration’s absence of a comparable landmark agreement in Seoul was noted, and the summit’s impact was seen as more incremental than transformative.

As the world looks ahead to the third summit in France, the AI community remains hopeful for breakthroughs that will shape the future of AI governance.