'Switzerland actively contributing to development of technical standards'

Swiss President Guy Parmelin backs a governance framework for AI that does not rely on a single instrument and calls for societal norms that guide users. Excerpts from an interview with TOI:

How should countries deal with AI regulation? Is there a need to have a new agency? Will a regulatory set up stifle innovation and development of AI but how do you deal with challenges such as deep fake?
Over the past 200 years, mankind has established thousands of legal, technical and societal norms to “regulate” the development and use of engines in a vast number of different machines and vehicles, with different levels of harmonization, based on the specific context of use. Like engines, we think that also AI cannot be “regulated” by a single instrument, but we will need to develop a governance framework consisting of many instruments to cover different aspects of the development and use of AI. Switzerland is therefore actively contributing to the development of technical standards for AI, of binding and nonbinding legal instruments, like the recommendations of UNESCO or the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and the Council of Europe framework convention on AI, which has been elaborated among 55 countries from all around the world and is the first binding international treaty on AI. But we also need societal and cultural norms that guide us when using AI in our specific contexts.

Switzerland is chairing the OSCE for the third time this year. In that capacity, what are you proposing to do to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Also, what do you make of India’s efforts to reach out to both sides for a ceasefire and return to dialogue and diplomacy?
Under the first priority of its OSCE Chairpersonship (“Helsinki Principles – for lasting peace”), Switzerland is committed to a just peace in Ukraine, based on international law and the Helsinki Principles. In his capacity as OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visited Kyiv (Feb 2) and Moscow (Feb 5-6) together with the OSCE secretary general to offer dialogue and to make sure all relevant actors know what the OSCE could contribute in the context of a negotiated settlement. Ultimately, it is up to the States to decide whether to make use of it.

Last one year has been turbulent for trade? How much cushion have trade deals such as those with India provided?
Free trade agreements such as the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) are an important tool, especially in challenging times for trade policy. They enable the Swiss export industry to tap into new markets and diversify. This strengthens Switzerland’s standing as a business location and boosts its ability to generate added value, create new jobs and preserve existing ones.

Given unilateral tariff actions over the last 10 months, what is the way forward ad WTO’s powers are completely undermined and there is a rush of bilateral trade agreements around the globe?
The WTO has long been under severe stress, but despite institutional paralysis, around 74% of global trade still takes place on MFN terms, underscoring the system’s continued relevance. It remains the only global institution that monitors members’ trade measures and offers a permanent forum for dialogue among 166 economies. In a context of rising tensions and challenges to established rules, Switzerland will continue to champion multilateralism and support WTO reform to preserve rules-based trade. WTO members broadly share this view: they have repeatedly signalled strong willingness to engage in meaningful reform, especially in view of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference.

The global order is changing, whether it is trade, arms reduction or countries threatening or attacking others. Where are things headed, is this a transition phase?
The international order is undergoing a deep and far-reaching transformation. Democracy is under pressure worldwide. Tariffs are being raised, trade agreements dismantled, international rules ignored. It is not the rule of law that prevails, but the rule of might. Joint solutions are pushed aside by unilateral action. Great powers assert their interests, some wage wars to restore old empires. So, today, we are at a turning point. A turning point between progress and regression, between global cooperation and geopolitical rivalry. Between democratic renewal and authoritarian relapse. We have to actively shape this transformation. In this context, Switzerland is keen to diversify and deepen its relations with democratic partners like India that are proponents of international law and the rules-based international order and have considerable global influence and reach.

Some believe that migration concerns are hyped up and there is a need get people to help at a time when European population is declining. But migrants come with their own challenges, especially problems with adjustment and backlash. How do you balance the two at a time when you are seeing a backlash against certain migrant groups?
Switzerland recognizes that human mobility is a global phenomenon. People have always moved in response to economic, social, political, security and environmental challenges, in search of opportunities and/or safety. Fair, regular and safe migration can be a driver of sustainable development and of economic resilience, growth and prosperity for both countries of origin and destination. However, unsafe and irregular migration come with risks and challenges, even more so for young people and women. Switzerland – as a small but highly globalized country - has a strong interest in an international system of migration governance that addresses the risks associated with unsafe migration and forced displacement while leveraging the benefit of migration for the economy and the people. To address challenges but also build on opportunities, Switzerland’s foreign policy on migration is characterized by a partnership approach with countries of origin, transit and destination.

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