Statement by President von der Leyen at Session III of the G20, 'One Future'

One thing seems clear: the future will be digital. Today I want to focus on AI and digital infrastructure.

As it has been described, AI has risks but also offers tremendous opportunities.

The crucial question is how to harness a rapidly changing technology.

It is telling that even the makers and inventors of AI are calling on political leaders to regulate.

In the EU, in 2020, we presented the first ever law on Artificial Intelligence.

We want to facilitate innovation while building trust.

But we need more.

What the world does now will shape our future.

I believe that Europe – and its partners - should develop a new global framework for AI risks.

It should protect us against systemic societal risks and foster investments in safe and responsible AI systems, at the same time.

At global level we eventually need to reach the broader community of the United Nations.

We would need a similar body to the IPCC for climate, and here we need additional outreach to the scientists entrepreneurs and innovators.

They need to provide the knowledge on the risks posed by AI – as well as the potential benefits for humanity.

Second, on Digital Public Infrastructures.

They can be a real booster to emerging economies.

India has achieved remarkable success in rolling out its Digital Public Infrastructures

We heard the Prime Minister, and we very much support his initiative.

The possibilities are huge, the investments, small.

The trick is to build public digital infrastructure, that is interoperable, open to all and trusted.

Let me give you one example that is reality today.

Many of you are familiar with the COVID-19 digital certificate.

The EU developed it for itself.

The model was so functional and so trusted that 51 countries on 4 continents adopted it for free.

Today, the WHO uses it as a global standard to facilitate mobility in times of health threats.

I want to thank Dr Tedros again for the excellent cooperation.