GENEVA, 2nd October, 2024 (WAM) -- The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has announced that the 149th IPU Assemblywill be held in Geneva from 13th to 17th October. It will focus on the theme of Harnessing science, technology and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future.
In a statement issued today, IPU said that thesession, which will bring together hundreds of parliamentarians from around the world, will look at parliamentary action to maximise the benefits, but also mitigate the risks of new technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence.
The Assembly is set to adopt a newCharter on the Ethics of Science and Technology,drafted by the IPU’s Working Group on Science and Technology.
The Charter aims to create a regulatory framework of principles to guide legislation and decision-making, ensuring that science and technology serve to benefit humanity, society and the environment.
Parliamentarians are also expected to adopt an IPU resolution entitled The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The resolution urges parliaments “to develop strong legal frameworks and policies for the responsible creation, deployment and use of AI technology”.
It seeks to address the vulnerabilities of democratic institutions to AI and mitigate harmful impacts such as the spread of misinformation, hate speech, or incitement of violence through AI-generated content.