Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has made a bold commitment to spearhead the establishment of global regulations regarding the ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In a recent speech at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, Kishida emphasized the importance of creating a new framework involving like-minded nations to address the opportunities and risks associated with AI.
During the OECD meeting, Kishida expressed his gratitude for the launch of the Friends Group, which aims to expand the AI initiative previously agreed upon at the Group of Seven (G7) summit held last year. The Friends Group, consisting of 49 countries and regions, will collaborate on ensuring the safe, secure, and trustworthy utilization of AI technology.
The Hiroshima AI Process, established at the G7 summit hosted by Kishida in 2021, aims to harness the benefits of generative AI tools while mitigating potential risks such as the spread of disinformation. Kishida highlighted the importance of working together with OECD members to address global challenges, including climate change and fostering free and open investment and trade practices.
In his address, Kishida welcomed the creation of the Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches, an initiative focused on decarbonization that aligns with efforts to combat the climate crisis. Additionally, he emphasized the need to uphold a rules-based economic order and reinforce cooperation to address economic coercion, non-market policies, and protect critical technologies.
Kishida also expressed Japan’s commitment to expanding the OECD’s membership to include countries from various regions worldwide. As one of the organization’s few Asian members, Japan aims to bridge the gap between the OECD and the Asian region to contribute to global economic leadership.
During his visit to France, Kishida met with President Emmanuel Macron to discuss initiating negotiations on a reciprocal access agreement between their defense forces for closer cooperation. The two leaders also agreed to enhance bilateral efforts in AI-related fields, with France set to host a summit on the safe use of AI in the coming year.
At a high-level economic dialogue between Japan and the European Union, officials underscored the importance of building transparent, resilient, and sustainable supply chains. Both parties expressed concerns over the weaponization of economic dependencies and emphasized the need to address systemic vulnerabilities for a level playing field.
In the midst of Japan’s Golden Week holiday period, Kishida is scheduled to visit Brazil and Paraguay, further solidifying diplomatic ties and fostering international cooperation.
