Welcome address

Summary

This discussion centers on Switzerland’s commitment to artificial intelligence governance and Geneva’s role as a global hub for digital cooperation, delivered by Deputy State Secretary Thomas Goebbels on behalf of Swiss Minister Guy Parmelin at an AI summit. Goebbels emphasized Geneva’s unique position as a center for international cooperation and dialogue, making it an ideal setting for addressing AI’s promises and challenges. He announced that the Swiss Federal Council has approved 269 million Swiss francs to strengthen international Geneva’s role in multilateral cooperation and innovation, reinforcing Switzerland’s commitment as a reliable host and partner state.

The speaker highlighted Switzerland’s support for the AI for Good summit since 2017, which brings together stakeholders committed to implementing AI solutions for Sustainable Development Goals. He acknowledged that AI has become deeply integrated into all layers of society, from science and medicine to education and public policy, creating both tremendous opportunities and governance challenges. The discussion emphasized that the debate has shifted from whether AI regulation is necessary to how it should be designed to be inclusive, accountable, and human-centered.

Goebbels noted several landmark achievements in global digital governance, including the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI adopted in 2024, which Switzerland proudly signed as the first international treaty addressing AI in the context of human rights and democracy. He also mentioned the UN Global Digital Compact and Switzerland’s launch of the International Computation and AI Network (ICAIN) to ensure global accessibility to AI research and solutions. The speech concluded with Switzerland’s readiness to host a future AI summit, positioning Geneva as a vital center for shaping inclusive digital governance that serves all of humanity rather than just a privileged few.

Keypoints

**Major Discussion Points:**

– **Switzerland’s commitment to strengthening Geneva as a global hub for AI governance** – The announcement of a 269 million Swiss franc package to reinforce Geneva’s role in multilateral cooperation and digital governance, positioning it not just as a normative reference but as a technology deployment hub.

– **The imperative for inclusive and human-centered AI governance** – Moving beyond whether AI regulation is necessary to how it should be designed to be agile, inclusive, and robust while balancing innovation opportunities with ethical considerations and shared values.

– **Recent landmark achievements in global digital governance** – Highlighting key developments including the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI (2024), the UN Global Digital Compact, and the launch of ICAIN (International Computation and AI Network) to ensure global accessibility in AI research.

– **The critical role of science and evidence-based approaches** – Emphasizing science as the compass for navigating AI complexity, distinguishing substance from hype, and building shared evidence bases like the International AI Safety Report for transparency around AI risks.

– **Switzerland’s readiness to host future AI summits** – Expressing commitment to continue the global AI summit series and enhance Geneva’s position in the global AI governance ecosystem.

**Overall Purpose:**

This is an opening ceremony address for the AI for Good summit, aimed at positioning Geneva and Switzerland as central players in shaping responsible AI governance while emphasizing the need for inclusive, evidence-based approaches to AI development that serve the global public good and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

**Overall Tone:**

The tone is formal, diplomatic, and consistently optimistic throughout. The speaker maintains an authoritative yet collaborative stance, emphasizing partnership and shared responsibility. The tone conveys urgency about AI governance challenges while remaining hopeful about opportunities, and concludes with an inspirational call to action that reinforces Geneva’s historical role in international cooperation.

Speakers

– Guy Parmelin: Swiss Minister for Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Federal Counsellor (mentioned but did not actually speak at the event)

Additional speakers:

– Thomas Goebbels: Deputy State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland (delivered remarks on behalf of Guy Parmelin)

# Switzerland’s Vision for AI Governance and Geneva’s Role as a Global Hub

## Overview and Context

This discussion represents a formal address delivered by Thomas Goebbels, Deputy State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, speaking on behalf of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Swiss Minister for Economic Affairs, Education and Research, due to unexpected urgency. The presentation focused on Switzerland’s commitment to artificial intelligence governance and Geneva’s positioning as a global hub for digital cooperation and international dialogue.

## Switzerland’s Financial Commitment

The most significant announcement was Switzerland’s substantial financial commitment to Geneva’s role in global governance. Goebbels revealed that the Swiss Federal Council has approved a comprehensive package of 269 million Swiss francs to stabilise and strengthen international Geneva. This investment demonstrates Switzerland’s dedication to serving as a reliable host and partner state in the international community, supporting Geneva’s position in both traditional diplomatic functions and the evolving landscape of digital governance.

## Evolution of AI Governance Discourse

A central theme was the shift in how the international community approaches AI governance. Goebbels noted that “we are no longer debating whether regulation is necessary, but rather how we have to design it.” This represents a move beyond binary questions of regulation versus non-regulation to considerations of implementation and design. He highlighted that public perception has evolved, with AI increasingly viewed not merely as a challenge to be managed but as an opportunity to be harnessed.

## Key Questions in AI Regulation Design

Goebbels posed three critical questions facing AI governance:

First, how can regulation remain agile enough to keep pace with rapid technological innovation? Second, how can regulation be inclusive enough to reflect diverse voices from across the global community? Third, how can regulation be robust enough to uphold shared values whilst maintaining flexibility?

These questions highlight the need to balance multiple competing demands in AI governance design.

## Recent Achievements in International AI Governance

The discussion highlighted significant recent developments in global digital governance. Most prominently, Goebbels celebrated the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI, adopted in 2024, which Switzerland signed as the first international treaty addressing “AI in the context of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.”

Additionally, he referenced the UN Global Digital Compact, adopted as part of the Pact for the Future last year, which underscores the need for enhanced international cooperation in governing digital technologies.

## The International Computation and AI Network (ICAIN)

Switzerland launched the International Computation and AI Network (ICAIN) in partnership with Swiss Technical Universities, two supercomputing centres and other international partners. This network is designed to ensure that “as many voices as possible are heard in AI research” and to make AI solutions “accessible worldwide.”

ICAIN represents Switzerland’s commitment to inclusive AI development, ensuring that diverse voices participate in AI research and that AI solutions serve broader global interests rather than narrow ones.

## The Role of Science in AI Governance

Goebbels emphasized the importance of science and evidence-based approaches in AI governance. He described science as “the compass by which we navigate complexity, the method by which we distinguish hype from substance, and the voice that helps elevate evidence over noise.”

He highlighted initiatives such as the first International AI Safety Report as examples of efforts to build shared evidence bases and foster transparency around AI risks and safeguards, positioning scientific research as crucial to the AI governance ecosystem.

## Geneva’s AI for Good Summit and Hosting Role

Switzerland has co-hosted the AI for Good summit alongside the ITU since 2017, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to AI governance discussions. Goebbels noted that two weeks ago, the Federal Council reaffirmed its interest in hosting a future AI summit, continuing the series that has been held in the UK, South Korea, France, and India.

## Commitment to Inclusive Digital Governance

Throughout the presentation, Goebbels emphasized the imperative for inclusive digital governance. He declared that “inclusive digital governance is not optional. It is the cornerstone of a future in which innovation serves the many, not the few.” This frames inclusivity as fundamental to AI governance legitimacy and effectiveness.

The emphasis extends beyond participation in governance processes to meaningful access to AI development benefits, ensuring that the digital revolution’s benefits are “meaningfully accessible to all.”

## Geneva’s Historical Legacy and Future Vision

Goebbels drew upon Geneva’s established legacy as a centre for multilateralism and international cooperation, arguing that this foundation provides an ideal setting for addressing AI challenges. The vision extends Geneva’s traditional diplomatic role to encompass its potential as a practical centre for developing and implementing AI solutions that serve global public interests.

## Conclusion

The discussion concluded with Switzerland’s readiness to continue hosting AI governance discussions and its commitment to enhancing Geneva’s role in global AI cooperation. Goebbels emphasized Geneva’s unique position as “the city where the world comes together,” positioning Switzerland as a committed long-term partner in international AI cooperation.

This presentation demonstrates Switzerland’s comprehensive approach to AI governance through substantial financial commitment, practical initiatives like ICAIN, engagement with international frameworks, and emphasis on inclusive, evidence-based approaches. The combination of these elements positions Switzerland and Geneva as central players in shaping global AI governance while fostering innovation and international cooperation.

Guy Parmelin: Madam Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests, I know that you were expecting to see and to listen to Federal Counsellor Guy Parmelin, the Swiss Minister for Economic Affairs, Education and Research, and I also know that Mr. Parmelin would have loved to be part of this terrific opening ceremony. Unfortunately, he could not make it today due to an unexpected urgency, but he has asked me to stand in and deliver his remarks on his behalf. My name is Thomas Goebbels, I am the Deputy State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. So it is my honour to welcome you all today to Geneva, a city with a unique legacy as a global centre of cooperation, dialogue and innovation. It is here, in the heart of international Geneva, that nations have long come together to face the world’s most pressing challenges. And today we gather to discuss the promises and perils of artificial intelligence. Geneva once again serves as the ideal setting for shaping responsible progress. Yet today the multilateral system finds itself under significant strain, politically as well as financially. In response, and to reinforce Geneva’s contribution as a global hub of multilateralism and innovation, the Swiss Federal Council has acted decisively, approving a package of 269 million Swiss francs to stabilise and strengthen international Geneva. These measures reaffirm Switzerland’s unwavering commitment as a reliable host state, member state and partner. Geneva is already widely recognised as a global hub for digital and technological governance. Our ambition now is to reinforce it, not only as a normative reference, but as a technology deployment hub, where practical tools are developed and launched to support international cooperation. This is precisely the aim of AI for Good, and the reason why we have been supporting it from the very beginning. Since 2017, this summit has been bringing together people who are committed to developing concrete implementation of AI for the Sustainable Development Goals. Switzerland is a proud co-host alongside ITU, in partnership with many UN agencies and partners. Artificial intelligence is one of the key technologies of our time. It is already having lasting impacts on society, as we all know, on the economy and on world politics in general. AI is woven into every layer of society, from science to medicine to education, transportation, as well as public policy. It powers tools that help us accelerate research, analyse crises and reimagine economies. But with this reality comes an imperative. To shape the governance of AI in ways that are inclusive, accountable and deeply human-centred. We are no longer debating whether regulation is necessary, but rather how we have to design it. Yet public debate has also shifted to see AI increasingly not only as a challenge, but of course as a chance. And we all believe that these opportunities for productivity and for our welfare are tremendous indeed. How do we balance these two demands? How do we ensure that regulation is agile enough to keep pace with innovation? Inclusive enough to reflect diverse voices? And robust enough to uphold our shared values? It is only with sound governance that AI can become a force for good. In this period of progress, the past year has witnessed some landmark achievements in global digital governance. The Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI, adopted in 2024, is a truly historic milestone. The first international treaty addressing AI in the context of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Switzerland was proud to join many of its partners in signing this convention, reaffirming our deep commitment to ethical and transparent AI development. Likewise, the UN Global Digital Compact, adopted as part of the Pact for the Future last year, underscores the urgent need for stronger cooperation and coherence in governing digital technologies. To make sure that we don’t leave anyone behind, we have also joined top academic partners, including the Swiss Technical Universities, two supercomputing centres and other international partners, to launch an initiative to create a global infrastructure for accessible computer and AI collaboration. It’s called the International Computation and AI Network, or ICAIN. ICAIN aims to ensure that as many voices as possible are heard in AI research and that AI solutions for real-world challenges are perceived to serve the global public good and are accessible worldwide. These instruments are not the destination, they are rather the building blocks for the inclusive digital world we aspire to. Science, hence, continues to play a fundamental role in this entire journey. It is the compass by which we navigate complexity, the method by which we distinguish hype from substance, and the voice that helps elevate evidence over noise. In this respect, we welcomed the publication of the first International AI Safety Report, a significant step towards building a shared evidence base and fostering transparency around AI risks and safeguards. This calls for bold thinking. How do we keep our frameworks relevant and responsive? How do we harness the benefits of AI without losing sight of those who may be left behind? These are not theoretical questions. They speak to the very core of our collective mission. And once again, Geneva stands at the forefront in this endeavour. Its institutional memory, cross-sectoral expertise, and strong multi-stakeholder tradition position it as a vital hub in the global governance ecosystem, making it an ideal setting for shaping future-ready governance. Strengthening Geneva’s role as a centre for digital dialogue supports global efforts towards more effective and inclusive digital cooperation. It is a benefit to us all. In this respect, Switzerland stands ready to host a future AI summit following on from the UK, South Korea, France, and India. The Federal Council reaffirmed its interest two weeks ago, thereby expressing its commitment to enhancing Geneva’s role in the global governance of AI. Let us be very clear. Inclusive digital governance is not optional. It is the cornerstone of a future in which innovation serves the many, not the few. A future in which the benefits of the digital revolution, present and future, are meaningfully accessible to all. With that, I invite you to seize this moment with courage and collaboration. Let Geneva once again be the city where the world comes together, not just to discuss the future, but to shape it. Thank you, and I wish you all a successful summit.

Agreement points

Similar viewpoints

Unexpected consensus

Overall assessment

Summary

This transcript represents a single speaker presentation rather than a multi-speaker discussion. Thomas Goebbels, Deputy State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, delivered remarks on behalf of Federal Counsellor Guy Parmelin. The presentation outlined Switzerland’s position and initiatives regarding AI governance, Geneva’s role as a global hub, and international cooperation frameworks.

Consensus level

No consensus analysis possible as this is a monologue presentation. The speaker presented a unified Swiss government position on AI governance, emphasizing the need for inclusive, accountable, and human-centered AI development, international cooperation through treaties and frameworks, and Geneva’s strategic role as a global center for AI governance and innovation.

Different viewpoints

Unexpected differences

Overall assessment

Summary

No disagreements identified as this transcript contains only one speaker presenting a unified position on AI governance and Geneva’s role as a global hub

Disagreement level

No disagreement present – this is a single speaker presentation rather than a multi-party discussion or debate. The speaker presents a coherent vision for AI governance, international cooperation, and Geneva’s role without any opposing viewpoints or conflicting arguments being presented.

Partial agreements

Similar viewpoints

Key takeaways

Geneva is being positioned as the premier global hub for AI governance and international cooperation, with Switzerland investing 269 million Swiss francs to strengthen this role

The focus of AI governance has shifted from whether regulation is needed to how it should be designed – emphasizing the need for inclusive, accountable, and human-centered approaches

Recent international frameworks like the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI (2024) and the UN Global Digital Compact represent significant progress in establishing global AI governance structures

Inclusive digital governance is essential to ensure AI benefits serve all of humanity rather than just a privileged few

Science and evidence-based approaches are fundamental to navigating AI complexity and distinguishing substantive progress from hype

Switzerland is committed to hosting a future AI summit to continue the global dialogue on AI governance

Resolutions and action items

Switzerland has approved a 269 million Swiss franc package to stabilize and strengthen international Geneva as a multilateral hub

Switzerland launched the International Computation and AI Network (ICAIN) in partnership with academic institutions to ensure global accessibility to AI research and solutions

The Federal Council reaffirmed Switzerland’s interest in hosting a future AI summit to enhance Geneva’s role in global AI governance

Switzerland signed the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI, demonstrating commitment to ethical AI development

Unresolved issues

How to design AI regulation that is simultaneously agile enough for innovation, inclusive enough for diverse voices, and robust enough to uphold shared values

How to keep AI governance frameworks relevant and responsive to rapidly evolving technology

How to ensure those who may be left behind by AI development are not forgotten

How to balance the tremendous opportunities AI presents for productivity and welfare with the need for appropriate governance and risk management

Suggested compromises

None identified

We are no longer debating whether regulation is necessary, but rather how we have to design it. Yet public debate has also shifted to see AI increasingly not only as a challenge, but of course as a chance.

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels (speaking for Guy Parmelin)

Reason

This comment represents a significant shift in framing the AI governance discourse. It moves beyond the binary question of ‘to regulate or not’ to the more nuanced challenge of ‘how to regulate effectively.’ The acknowledgment that public perception has evolved from viewing AI purely as a threat to recognizing its opportunities demonstrates sophisticated understanding of the evolving narrative around AI governance.

Impact

This reframing sets up the central tension that drives the rest of the speech – the need to balance innovation with protection. It transitions the discussion from theoretical concerns to practical implementation challenges, establishing the foundation for discussing specific governance frameworks and initiatives.

How do we balance these two demands? How do we ensure that regulation is agile enough to keep pace with innovation? Inclusive enough to reflect diverse voices? And robust enough to uphold our shared values?

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels (speaking for Guy Parmelin)

Reason

These rhetorical questions encapsulate the core trilemma of AI governance: the need for regulations to be simultaneously agile, inclusive, and robust. This is particularly insightful because it identifies the three key tensions that policymakers face – speed vs. thoroughness, global vs. local perspectives, and flexibility vs. stability.

Impact

These questions serve as a conceptual framework that organizes the subsequent discussion of specific initiatives and agreements. They provide the evaluative criteria against which the various governance mechanisms (Council of Europe Convention, UN Global Digital Compact, ICAIN) are implicitly measured throughout the remainder of the speech.

Science, hence, continues to play a fundamental role in this entire journey. It is the compass by which we navigate complexity, the method by which we distinguish hype from substance, and the voice that helps elevate evidence over noise.

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels (speaking for Guy Parmelin)

Reason

This metaphor-rich statement is particularly insightful because it positions science as the antidote to the often sensationalized discourse around AI. The three metaphors (compass, method, voice) elegantly capture science’s role in providing direction, methodology, and credibility in AI governance discussions.

Impact

This comment shifts the discussion toward evidence-based policymaking and provides justification for the scientific initiatives mentioned (like the International AI Safety Report and ICAIN). It elevates the role of academic and research institutions in the governance ecosystem, moving beyond purely political or regulatory approaches.

Inclusive digital governance is not optional. It is the cornerstone of a future in which innovation serves the many, not the few. A future in which the benefits of the digital revolution, present and future, are meaningfully accessible to all.

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels (speaking for Guy Parmelin)

Reason

This statement is thought-provoking because it frames inclusivity not as a nice-to-have add-on to AI governance, but as fundamental to its legitimacy and effectiveness. The phrase ‘meaningfully accessible’ suggests a deeper level of engagement than mere technical access, implying genuine participation in both the benefits and governance of AI.

Impact

This declaration serves as the moral and practical imperative that ties together all the previous initiatives and frameworks discussed. It provides the ‘why’ behind Geneva’s positioning as a hub for AI governance and justifies Switzerland’s significant financial investment in international cooperation.

Overall assessment

While this transcript represents a single speaker’s remarks rather than a multi-participant discussion, the thought-provoking comments identified reveal a sophisticated approach to AI governance that moves beyond simplistic narratives. The speaker successfully reframes the AI governance challenge from a binary regulatory question to a complex balancing act requiring agility, inclusivity, and robustness. The progression of ideas – from acknowledging the shift in public perception, through identifying key governance tensions, to positioning science as a guiding force, and finally declaring inclusivity as non-negotiable – creates a compelling argument for Geneva’s role as a center for AI governance. These comments collectively shape a narrative that is both pragmatic about the challenges and optimistic about the possibilities for international cooperation in AI governance.

How do we balance the demands of seeing AI as both a challenge and an opportunity?

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels

Explanation

This addresses the fundamental tension between AI’s potential benefits and risks, which is crucial for developing appropriate governance frameworks

How do we ensure that regulation is agile enough to keep pace with innovation?

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels

Explanation

This is critical for creating regulatory frameworks that don’t stifle innovation while still providing necessary oversight

How do we ensure that regulation is inclusive enough to reflect diverse voices?

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels

Explanation

This addresses the need for global participation in AI governance to ensure regulations serve all stakeholders, not just dominant players

How do we ensure that regulation is robust enough to uphold our shared values?

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels

Explanation

This focuses on maintaining ethical standards and human rights principles in AI development and deployment

How do we keep our frameworks relevant and responsive?

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels

Explanation

This addresses the challenge of maintaining effective governance structures in a rapidly evolving technological landscape

How do we harness the benefits of AI without losing sight of those who may be left behind?

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels

Explanation

This highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to AI benefits and preventing the digital divide from widening

Development of practical tools to support international cooperation through AI

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels

Explanation

This represents an area for further research and development to make Geneva a technology deployment hub beyond just a normative reference

Building a shared evidence base and fostering transparency around AI risks and safeguards

Speaker

Thomas Goebbels

Explanation

Following the first International AI Safety Report, continued research is needed to expand the evidence base for AI governance decisions