Building Trusted AI at Scale Cities Startups & Digital Sovereignty – Keynote Amb Thomas Schneider
20 Feb 2026 12:00h - 13:00h
Building Trusted AI at Scale Cities Startups & Digital Sovereignty – Keynote Amb Thomas Schneider
Session at a glance
Summary
Thomas Schneider delivered a keynote address at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, announcing Switzerland’s role as host of the next AI Summit in Geneva in 2027. He expressed gratitude to India for organizing the current summit and praised its focus on the three sutras: people, progress, and planet. Schneider emphasized that AI development must benefit everyone globally while respecting human dignity, autonomy, and environmental sustainability. He stressed that AI’s transformative potential, comparable to the invention of the printing press or internet, must be harnessed for good rather than harm, improving quality of life for all people regardless of geographic region.
Switzerland’s approach to hosting the Geneva Summit will be collaborative, seeking input from global stakeholders rather than imposing predetermined agendas. Schneider outlined Switzerland’s commitment to being constructive, creative, and pragmatic while avoiding duplication of existing governance frameworks. He referenced numerous existing platforms including UN forums, OECD initiatives, and previous AI summits in the UK, Korea, and Paris as foundations to build upon. Drawing parallels between AI governance and the historical regulation of combustion engines, he argued that just as physical automation required diverse regulatory approaches, cognitive automation through AI will need similarly complex governance structures.
Schneider highlighted the Vilnius Convention on Artificial Intelligence as an important framework for protecting human rights, democracy, and rule of law in AI development. He concluded by positioning Switzerland as a facilitator for international cooperation, emphasizing that meaningful progress requires collaborative effort from all global stakeholders to ensure AI serves humanity’s collective interests in peace, prosperity, and dignity.
Keypoints
Major Discussion Points:
– Switzerland’s role as host of the 2027 AI Summit in Geneva – Thomas Schneider announces Switzerland’s commitment to hosting the next global AI summit and emphasizes their collaborative approach to shaping its focus and outcomes with international partners
– AI governance framework development – Discussion of the need to create comprehensive technical, legal, and societal norms for AI development and use, building on existing international dialogue platforms and organizations rather than duplicating efforts
– The Vilnius Convention on AI and human rights – Highlighting this principle-based international framework that addresses AI governance while respecting human rights, democracy, and rule of law across 55 countries
– Historical parallels between AI and engine technology governance – Drawing comparisons between how society has regulated physical automation (engines, machines) over 200 years and how similar multi-layered governance approaches are needed for cognitive automation (AI)
– Inclusive global AI development – Emphasizing that AI’s transformative potential must benefit all people worldwide, respecting human dignity and planetary boundaries, rather than just serving a privileged few
Overall Purpose:
The discussion serves as Switzerland’s formal presentation of their vision and approach for hosting the 2027 AI Summit in Geneva. Schneider aims to establish Switzerland’s collaborative philosophy, outline their governance framework thinking, and invite global participation in shaping the summit’s agenda to ensure AI serves humanity’s collective good.
Overall Tone:
The tone is consistently diplomatic, optimistic, and collaborative throughout. Schneider maintains a respectful, inclusive approach that emphasizes partnership over leadership, expressing gratitude to India as the current host while positioning Switzerland as a facilitating bridge-builder rather than a dominant voice. The tone remains steady and constructive from beginning to end, with no notable shifts in sentiment or approach.
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider: Role/Title – Not explicitly mentioned, but appears to be a Swiss government official or diplomat leading negotiations and representing Switzerland in international AI governance discussions. He mentions having “the honor to lead the negotiations among 55 countries from all over the world at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg” for the Vilnius Convention on Artificial Intelligence. Area of expertise – International AI governance, diplomacy, and policy development.
Additional speakers:
None identified in this transcript.
Full session report
Thomas Schneider delivered an address at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, discussing Switzerland’s commitment to hosting the next global AI Summit in Geneva in 2027. His presentation outlined Switzerland’s collaborative vision for international AI governance while expressing gratitude to India for organizing the current summit.
Switzerland’s Hosting Commitment and Philosophy
Schneider began by thanking the Indian government for bringing together leaders, innovators, researchers, and civil society representatives from around the world. He praised the summit’s focus on the three sutras—people, progress, and planet—as fundamental principles for AI development. Switzerland’s enthusiasm for hosting the 2027 summit was evident, with Schneider noting positive reactions from national stakeholders and international partners.
Schneider emphasized that Switzerland’s motivation extends beyond ceremonial hosting. He stated the goal is “not to make a show” but rather to “substantially and meaningfully contribute to achieving the goal that mankind uses the unprecedented potential of AI for good and not for bad.” Switzerland positions itself as a facilitator and bridge-builder rather than seeking to impose predetermined agendas.
AI’s Transformative Potential and Global Equity
Central to Schneider’s argument was his characterization of AI as potentially “at least as transformative as the invention of the printing press, radio, television and the internet, as well as the invention of the combustion and other engines together.” This comparison places AI within a historical context of revolutionary technologies while emphasizing the unprecedented scale of current change.
Schneider stressed that this transformative power must be harnessed to “raise and not lower the quality of life of all people in the world and not just a few.” He repeatedly called for AI development that benefits everyone regardless of geographic region—”global north, south, east and west”—and emphasized that AI must strengthen human dignity and autonomy while helping all people “live together in peace and prosperity.”
Governance Approach: Building on Existing Frameworks
Rather than creating entirely new governance structures, Schneider advocated building upon existing international dialogue platforms. He mentioned the UN Internet Governance Forum, the AI for Good Summit, UNESCO’s Global Forum on Ethics of AI, OECD initiatives, and outcomes from previous AI summits in the UK, Korea, and Paris, noting that Japan will follow at some point in time.
Schneider’s strategy aims to “not reinvent the wheel and duplicate processes and instruments that already exist and that work.” Instead, Switzerland intends to facilitate better coordination within what he acknowledged as a “complex governance ecosystem.” Working with partners from the Diplo Foundation and the Geneva Internet Platform, Switzerland plans to help less resourced communities understand existing processes and ensure their voices are heard.
Historical Parallels and Governance Complexity
Schneider drew detailed analogies between AI governance and the historical regulation of combustion engines over the past 200 years. He compared AI’s automation of cognitive labor to engines’ automation of physical labor, noting that society has successfully developed “thousands of technical, legal, and also non-written societal norms” to govern engine-driven machines without relying on a single institution.
This historical perspective demonstrates that complex governance challenges can be managed through distributed, multi-layered approaches. Schneider noted that different levels of harmonization exist—the airline industry being more globally harmonized than automobile regulations—suggesting AI governance can similarly vary depending on context and application.
The Vilnius Convention Example
Schneider highlighted his role in having “the honor to lead the negotiations” for the Vilnius Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law among 55 countries at the Council of Europe. He positioned this convention as an example of effective international AI governance, describing it as “a principle-based framework, not just for Europe, but for all countries on our planet that value human rights, democracy and the rule of law.”
Collaborative Process and Future Directions
Throughout his address, Schneider emphasized that meaningful progress requires effort from all stakeholders. Switzerland explicitly positions itself as a facilitator seeking to “build bridges and build a climate of open and respectful and constructive dialogue” while offering “pragmatic structures for trustworthy cooperation.”
The collaborative approach extends to shaping the Geneva Summit itself. While there will be “a Swiss flavour” characterized by constructive and pragmatic problem-solving, the focus and agenda remain open for international input. Switzerland is actively seeking ideas from governmental and other stakeholders about the summit’s objectives and preparatory process.
Schneider acknowledged ongoing work needed before the Geneva Summit, including analysis of existing governance frameworks to identify gaps, development of technical norms for AI systems, and creation of both binding and non-binding legal instruments. He mentioned the involvement of academic and other networks that provide expertise and solutions.
Conclusion
Schneider concluded by reiterating Switzerland’s commitment to facilitating international cooperation that enables humanity to harness AI’s potential for living “together in peace, prosperity and security” while maintaining human dignity. His vision presents AI governance as a manageable extension of humanity’s historical experience with transformative technologies, emphasizing that success depends on effective collaboration, focus on human dignity and global equity, and learning from both historical experience and contemporary innovations in international cooperation.
Session transcript
So, dear friends and colleagues from India and from all around the world, it is an honor and pleasure to be here with you in Delhi at this pivotal moment for global AI governance. And first, of course, I want to express my gratitude to the government of India for bringing together a diverse and distinguished group of leaders, innovators, researchers, civil society representatives from all around the world. Switzerland very much welcomes and supports the focus of the AI Impact Summit, which is well presented in the three sutras, people, progress, planet, as we all have learned in the past weeks and months. And we fully agree that we need to develop and use AI in a way that everyone in the world can benefit from the potential that AI offers.
This includes economic and societal social progress for everyone. At the same time, of course, we need to make sure that we are able to develop and use AI in a way that everyone in the world can benefit from the that we respect human dignity and autonomy, as well as our planet, which is the basis for all life that we know, at least so far. We haven’t found other life elsewhere. So we are honored and very proud to be hosting the next AI Summit in Geneva in 2027. It is overwhelming to see already now and feel the momentum and the enthusiasm that we sense on national level among all Swiss stakeholders, as well as the very positive reactions from our partners from all around the world, who are all eager and willing to cooperate with us and contribute to the summit in Geneva.
Already now, we are approached by many governmental and other stakeholders that share their ideas with us about what the Geneva Summit and the road leading up to it should focus on and what it should achieve. And let me assure you that this is very welcome and helpful to us. The Swiss motivation for organizing the next summit is to, not to make a show, it is to substantially and meaningfully contribute to achieving the goal that mankind and the world want to achieve. it is to substantially and meaningfully contribute to achieving the goal that mankind uses the unprecedented potential of AI to achieve the goal that mankind uses for good and not for bad. This potential of AI, which may be at least as transformative as the invention of the printing press, radio, television and the internet, as well as the invention of the combustion and other engines together, this potential must be used to raise and not lower the quality of life of all people in the world and not just a few.
AI must strengthen and not weaken the dignity and autonomy of all people in the global north, south, east and west or whatever we call the region where we live and help us all to live together in peace and prosperity. So we are very keen to hear your ideas about what we could and should do together to achieve this goal. Of course, we do have some ideas on our own, but we have not decided yet about the focus of the Geneva Summit. We will discuss it with you together, shape it together. Of course, there will be a Swiss flavor to the Geneva Summit, which is based on the way we work and what we understand, our role in the international community.
We will try to be constructive. Thank you. creative and innovative and try to find pragmatic and fair solutions through bringing together all stakeholders in their respective roles and with their respective experience and at the same time we will try not to reinvent the wheel and duplicate processes and instruments that already exist and that work but rather we will try to build on them because we do already have a number of dialogue platforms for AI governance and for sharing good practices such as the UN Internet Governance Forum and its national and regional initiatives, the AI for Good Summit and the Global Forum on Ethics of AI organized by ITU, UNESCO and many other UN related processes and forum.
We have other forum like the OECD, GPI and other international and regional organizations and of course we will build on the outcomes of the previous summit in the UK, Korea, Japan, sorry Paris, Japan will follow at some point in time, UK, Korea, Paris and of course here in Delhi and we should not forget There are many academic and other networks that provide expertise and solutions. So we will do our best to bring them all together. And with the help of our longstanding partners from the Diplo Foundation and the Geneva Internet Platform, we will also try to facilitate the orientation in this complex governance ecosystem, in particular for less resourced communities, so that also they know better about what is going on where and where we need to raise our voice so that they are actually heard.
At the same time, we consider the transformative power of AI to be too big, broad and context -specific so that no one single institution and no single instrument will allow us to seize all opportunities and will solve all problems. So we will have to learn to live with a certain complexity of the governance of this transformation. But also, this is not a completely new situation. If we look at how we have governed the transformative power of combustion and other engines in the past 200 years, there are some lessons that we can also apply to AI. While today we are developing AI to automate cognitive labor, we have developed engines to automate physical labor. We have put engines in vehicles or machines to move goods or people from one place to another.
And we have put engines in machines to produce food or other goods automatically. And we do not expect one single institution or instrument to govern all of this. But we have developed a set of thousands of technical, legal, and also non -written societal norms that guide us in the use of these machines. We have regulated also the infrastructure that these machines use. We are setting requirements and liabilities for the people that develop, handle, and steer these machines. And we have developed instruments to protect people that are affected by the impact of these machines. And we are seeing different levels of harmonizations when it comes to regulating machines and engines. As an example, of course, we know that the airline industry is much more harmonized because it’s global than the way we regulate cars.
Cars driving in our streets on one side or the other side, where there’s more diversity possible. So after 200 years, we are still continuing to adapt the governance framework for engine driven machines, depending on the context of use. And we need to do exactly the same with AI. We need to develop appropriate technical, legal and societal frameworks and norms that allow us to develop and use AI for good in many different ways. And this work has already begun. We have analyzed our existing governance frameworks, have started to identify and fill the gaps. We have started to work on technical norms for AI systems. We have started to work on binding and non -binding legal instruments.
And of course, in this regard, I’d like to particularly highlight the Vilnius Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, for which I had the honor to lead the negotiations among 55 countries from all over the world at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. This provides for a principle based framework, not just for Europe, but for all countries. It provides for a principle based framework, not just for Europe, but for all countries on our planet that value human rights, democracy and the rule of law. so that our societies and economies can use AI to innovate, while at the same time we uphold our respect to human dignity and autonomy, also in the context of AI.
The principles set out by the Vilnius Convention are simple and clear, but the Convention leaves enough leeway to participating states in order to allow to embed these principles in their existing legal and regulatory institutions and traditions. This will allow many countries to become parties to this global convention and to make sure that their governance frameworks may, although not become identical, but at least interoperable. This Convention, which we hope will be ratified and enter into force very soon, will become one important instrument to make sure that AI is used for the good and not the bad. But of course, there will have to be many more binding and non -binding norms and more sector -specific norms and instruments to complement it, which hopefully will be… at least coherent in their logic and spirit.
So we will use the time until the Geneva Summit next year to continue to identify gaps in global and regional governance of AI and achieve our shared objectives so that AI is used for innovation, while at the same time legitimate concerns and risks are appropriately addressed. Switzerland will be the host of the next summit, but we know that we will not be able to achieve anything on our own. So we look forward to collaborating with all of you, with all countries and all stakeholders from the global north, south, east and west, and we will first try to identify areas where there’s a willingness and a shared vision to make progress together and then work with all of you on pragmatic and workable steps towards this vision.
We will only be the facilitators trying to build bridges and build a climate of open and respectful and constructive dialogue, trying to offer pragmatic structures for trustworthy cooperation so that we can all use the potential AI, to say it again, to live together in peace, prosperity and security. Dignity. Dignity. The Swiss Summit team and I personally are looking forward to collaborating with all of you in the coming months, and we look forward to seeing you all in Geneva in 2027. Thank you for your support and attention.
Thomas Schneider
Speech speed
184 words per minute
Speech length
1721 words
Speech time
558 seconds
Inclusive AI Benefits (People, Progress, Planet)
Explanation
AI should be developed and deployed so that its benefits reach every person worldwide, while safeguarding human dignity, autonomy and the planet. Economic and societal progress generated by AI must be shared globally, not confined to a limited set of regions or groups.
Evidence
“And we fully agree that we need to develop and use AI in a way that everyone in the world can benefit from the potential that AI offers.” [1]. “so that our societies and economies can use AI to innovate, while at the same time we uphold our respect to human dignity and autonomy, also in the context of AI.” [2]. “At the same time, of course, we need to make sure that we are able to develop and use AI in a way that everyone in the world can benefit from the that we respect human dignity and autonomy, as well as our planet, which is the basis for all life that we know, at least so far.” [15]. “This includes economic and societal social progress for everyone.” [19].
Major discussion point
Inclusive AI Benefits (People, Progress, Planet)
Topics
Human rights and the ethical dimensions of the information society | Artificial intelligence | Environmental impacts | Social and economic development
Switzerland’s Role and the 2027 Geneva AI Summit
Explanation
Switzerland will host the next AI Summit in Geneva in 2027, aiming to make a substantial contribution to global AI governance. The summit will carry a “Swiss flavor” but will be co‑shaped with worldwide stakeholders and will avoid duplicating existing initiatives.
Evidence
“So we are honored and very proud to be hosting the next AI Summit in Geneva in 2027.” [9]. “Of course, there will be a Swiss flavor to the Geneva Summit, which is based on the way we work and what we understand, our role in the international community.” [29]. “creative and innovative and try to find pragmatic and fair solutions through bringing together all stakeholders … we will try not to reinvent the wheel and duplicate processes and instruments that already exist and that work but rather we will try to build on them because we do already have a number of dialogue platforms for AI governance…” [14]. “So we will use the time until the Geneva Summit next year to continue to identify gaps in global and regional governance of AI and achieve our shared objectives so that AI is used for innovation, while at the same time legitimate concerns and risks are appropriately addressed.” [10].
Major discussion point
Switzerland’s Role and the 2027 Geneva AI Summit
Topics
Artificial intelligence | Internet governance | The enabling environment for digital development
Building on Existing Multi‑Stakeholder Platforms
Explanation
The discussion stresses leveraging established multistakeholder forums such as the UN Internet Governance Forum, AI for Good, ITU, UNESCO, OECD and others, rather than creating parallel structures. It also highlights the need to help less‑resourced communities navigate the governance ecosystem through partners like the Diplo Foundation and the Geneva Internet Platform.
Evidence
“creative and innovative and try to find pragmatic and fair solutions through bringing together all stakeholders … we will try not to reinvent the wheel and duplicate processes and instruments that already exist and that work but rather we will try to build on them because we do already have a number of dialogue platforms for AI governance and for sharing good practices such as the UN Internet Governance Forum … the AI for Good Summit and the Global Forum on Ethics of AI organized by ITU, UNESCO and many other UN related processes and forum.” [14]. “And with the help of our longstanding partners from the Diplo Foundation and the Geneva Internet Platform, we will also try to facilitate the orientation in this complex governance ecosystem, in particular for less resourced communities, so that also they know better about what is going on where and where we need to raise our voice so that they are actually heard.” [35].
Major discussion point
Building on Existing Multi‑Stakeholder Platforms
Topics
Internet governance | Artificial intelligence | The enabling environment for digital development | Capacity development
Governance Lessons from Historical Technological Transformations
Explanation
AI’s transformative impact is likened to the printing press, radio, internet and combustion engines, implying that governance must be equally comprehensive. A layered mix of technical, legal and societal norms, similar to how engines have been regulated, is required for AI.
Evidence
“This potential of AI, which may be at least as transformative as the invention of the printing press, radio, television and the internet, as well as the invention of the combustion and other engines together, this potential must be used to raise and not lower the quality of life of all people in the world and not just a few.” [8]. “We need to develop appropriate technical, legal and societal frameworks and norms that allow us to develop and use AI for good in many different ways.” [5]. “While today we are developing AI to automate cognitive labor, we have developed engines to automate physical labor.” [12]. “If we look at how we have governed the transformative power of combustion and other engines in the past 200 years, there are some lessons that we can also apply to AI.” [37]. “But we have developed a set of thousands of technical, legal, and also non‑written societal norms that guide us in the use of these machines.” [42].
Major discussion point
Governance Lessons from Historical Technological Transformations
Topics
Artificial intelligence | The enabling environment for digital development | Human rights and the ethical dimensions of the information society
Vilnius Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law
Explanation
The Vilnius Convention offers a principle‑based, flexible framework that can be applied worldwide, supporting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It lets states embed its principles into existing legal systems, yielding interoperable but not identical regulations.
Evidence
“It provides for a principle based framework, not just for Europe, but for all countries on our planet that value human rights, democracy and the rule of law.” [16]. “The principles set out by the Vilnius Convention are simple and clear, but the Convention leaves enough leeway to participating states in order to allow to embed these principles in their existing legal and regulatory institutions and traditions.” [46]. “This will allow many countries to become parties to this global convention and to make sure that their governance frameworks may, although not become identical, but at least interoperable.” [22].
Major discussion point
The Vilnius Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law
Topics
Human rights and the ethical dimensions of the information society | Artificial intelligence | The enabling environment for digital development
Call for Collaborative, Pragmatic Action
Explanation
The speaker urges identification of shared vision areas and the pursuit of pragmatic, workable steps toward trustworthy AI cooperation. Inclusive dialogue across the global north, south, east and west is emphasized to ensure AI strengthens peace, prosperity, security and human dignity.
Evidence
“So we look forward to collaborating with all of you, with all countries and all stakeholders from the global north, south, east and west, and we will first try to identify areas where there’s a willingness and a shared vision to make progress together and then work with all of you on pragmatic and workable steps towards this vision.” [20]. “AI must strengthen and not weaken the dignity and autonomy of all people in the global north, south, east and west or whatever we call the region where we live and help us all to live together in peace and prosperity.” [6]. “We will only be the facilitators trying to build bridges and build a climate of open and respectful and constructive dialogue, trying to offer pragmatic structures for trustworthy cooperation so that we can all use the potential AI, to say it again, to live together in peace, prosperity and security.” [18].
Major discussion point
Call for Collaborative, Pragmatic Action
Topics
Artificial intelligence | Human rights and the ethical dimensions of the information society | The enabling environment for digital development | Internet governance
Agreements
Agreement points
AI must be developed to benefit everyone globally while respecting human dignity, autonomy, and planetary sustainability
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
AI must be developed to benefit everyone globally while respecting human dignity, autonomy, and planetary sustainability
Summary
Schneider advocates for inclusive AI development that serves all people worldwide while maintaining fundamental human values and environmental protection, aligning with the three sutras of people, progress, and planet
Topics
Artificial intelligence | Human rights and the ethical dimensions of the information society | Environmental impacts
Multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential for effective AI governance
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
AI governance requires bringing together all stakeholders in their respective roles with their experience
Switzerland will facilitate collaboration with all countries and stakeholders from global north, south, east and west
Summary
Schneider emphasizes the importance of inclusive collaboration among diverse stakeholders from all regions and sectors, with Switzerland serving as a facilitator rather than a leader
Topics
Artificial intelligence | Internet governance
Building on existing governance frameworks rather than creating entirely new ones
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
The summit will build on existing dialogue platforms and processes rather than reinventing the wheel
Summary
Schneider advocates for leveraging and strengthening existing AI governance mechanisms including UN forums, OECD, and previous summits rather than duplicating efforts
Topics
Artificial intelligence | Internet governance | The development of the WSIS framework
AI governance requires multiple complementary approaches due to its broad and context-specific nature
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
Multiple institutions and instruments are needed due to AI’s transformative power being too broad and context-specific
Different levels of harmonization are appropriate depending on the global or local nature of AI applications
Summary
Schneider argues that AI’s vast impact requires a complex governance ecosystem with multiple institutions and varying levels of harmonization based on application context
Topics
Artificial intelligence | The enabling environment for digital development
Similar viewpoints
AI development must be equitable and inclusive, benefiting all people globally rather than privileging select groups, while maintaining respect for human dignity and environmental sustainability
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
AI’s transformative potential should raise quality of life for all people worldwide, not just a few
AI must be developed to benefit everyone globally while respecting human dignity, autonomy, and planetary sustainability
Topics
Artificial intelligence | Closing all digital divides | Social and economic development | Human rights and the ethical dimensions of the information society
Historical experience with regulating physical automation through engines provides valuable lessons for governing cognitive automation through AI, requiring diverse and context-specific approaches
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
AI governance can learn from 200 years of governing combustion engines and physical automation
Just as engine-driven machines required diverse regulatory approaches, AI needs context-specific governance frameworks
Topics
Artificial intelligence | The enabling environment for digital development
The Vilnius Convention represents an effective model for global AI governance that balances universal principles with national flexibility, enabling broad participation while maintaining coherence
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
The Vilnius Convention provides a principle-based framework for countries valuing human rights, democracy and rule of law
The Convention allows flexibility for countries to embed principles in their existing legal traditions while ensuring interoperability
Topics
Artificial intelligence | Human rights and the ethical dimensions of the information society | The enabling environment for digital development
Unexpected consensus
Switzerland’s facilitative rather than leadership role in AI governance
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
Switzerland’s motivation is to substantially contribute to using AI’s potential for good, not to make a show
Switzerland will facilitate collaboration with all countries and stakeholders from global north, south, east and west
Explanation
It is somewhat unexpected for a host country to explicitly position itself as a facilitator rather than a leader, emphasizing genuine contribution over prestige. This approach suggests a more collaborative and humble stance in international AI governance
Topics
Artificial intelligence
Acknowledgment that comprehensive AI governance requires ongoing gap analysis and multiple complementary instruments
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
Existing governance frameworks need analysis to identify and fill gaps
Additional binding and non-binding norms will be needed to complement the Convention
Explanation
The explicit acknowledgment that even significant achievements like the Vilnius Convention are insufficient and require complementary instruments shows a realistic and systematic approach to governance complexity
Topics
Artificial intelligence | The enabling environment for digital development
Overall assessment
Summary
The transcript reveals strong consensus around inclusive, multi-stakeholder AI governance that builds on existing frameworks while respecting human rights and environmental sustainability. Key areas of agreement include the need for global collaboration, context-specific approaches, and learning from historical precedents in technology governance.
Consensus level
High level of internal consistency in Schneider’s vision, with clear implications for positioning the Geneva 2027 Summit as a collaborative, bridge-building effort rather than a competitive or duplicative initiative. The approach suggests potential for broad international support due to its inclusive and facilitative nature.
Differences
Different viewpoints
Unexpected differences
Overall assessment
Summary
No disagreements identified as this appears to be a single-speaker presentation rather than a multi-speaker debate
Disagreement level
No disagreement present – this is a monologue by Thomas Schneider presenting Switzerland’s unified position on AI governance, the Geneva Summit approach, and international cooperation frameworks. The speaker presents a cohesive vision without internal contradictions or opposing viewpoints from other speakers.
Partial agreements
Partial agreements
Similar viewpoints
AI development must be equitable and inclusive, benefiting all people globally rather than privileging select groups, while maintaining respect for human dignity and environmental sustainability
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
AI’s transformative potential should raise quality of life for all people worldwide, not just a few
AI must be developed to benefit everyone globally while respecting human dignity, autonomy, and planetary sustainability
Topics
Artificial intelligence | Closing all digital divides | Social and economic development | Human rights and the ethical dimensions of the information society
Historical experience with regulating physical automation through engines provides valuable lessons for governing cognitive automation through AI, requiring diverse and context-specific approaches
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
AI governance can learn from 200 years of governing combustion engines and physical automation
Just as engine-driven machines required diverse regulatory approaches, AI needs context-specific governance frameworks
Topics
Artificial intelligence | The enabling environment for digital development
The Vilnius Convention represents an effective model for global AI governance that balances universal principles with national flexibility, enabling broad participation while maintaining coherence
Speakers
– Thomas Schneider
Arguments
The Vilnius Convention provides a principle-based framework for countries valuing human rights, democracy and rule of law
The Convention allows flexibility for countries to embed principles in their existing legal traditions while ensuring interoperability
Topics
Artificial intelligence | Human rights and the ethical dimensions of the information society | The enabling environment for digital development
Takeaways
Key takeaways
AI governance must prioritize global benefit, human dignity, and planetary sustainability rather than serving only a few
Switzerland will host the 2027 AI Summit in Geneva with a focus on pragmatic, constructive solutions and meaningful contribution rather than spectacle
AI governance requires a multi-stakeholder approach bringing together governments, civil society, researchers, and innovators from all regions
Existing AI governance frameworks and dialogue platforms should be built upon rather than duplicated, including UN processes, OECD, and previous summit outcomes
AI governance complexity is manageable by learning from 200 years of governing physical automation through engines, requiring context-specific and sector-specific approaches
The Vilnius Convention on AI, Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law provides an important principle-based framework that allows flexibility while ensuring interoperability
Multiple complementary instruments (technical, legal, and societal norms) will be needed due to AI’s broad and transformative nature
Resolutions and action items
Switzerland will collaborate with all countries and stakeholders to identify areas of shared vision and willingness for progress
Continue identifying gaps in global and regional AI governance frameworks leading up to the Geneva Summit
Work with Diplo Foundation and Geneva Internet Platform to facilitate orientation in the governance ecosystem for less resourced communities
Develop pragmatic and workable steps toward shared AI governance vision through open and constructive dialogue
Build on outcomes from previous summits (UK, Korea, Paris, Delhi) and existing international processes
Unresolved issues
Specific focus and agenda for the Geneva 2027 Summit has not been decided yet
How to effectively coordinate the complex ecosystem of multiple AI governance institutions and instruments
What additional binding and non-binding norms will be needed to complement the Vilnius Convention
How to ensure less resourced communities can effectively participate in and benefit from AI governance processes
Specific mechanisms for achieving interoperability between different countries’ AI governance frameworks
Suggested compromises
Accept governance complexity as necessary due to AI’s broad transformative power rather than seeking one single institution or instrument
Allow different levels of harmonization depending on context (similar to airline industry being more harmonized than car regulations)
The Vilnius Convention approach of providing principle-based framework while allowing countries flexibility to embed principles in their existing legal traditions
Focus on making governance frameworks interoperable rather than identical across countries
Thought provoking comments
This potential of AI, which may be at least as transformative as the invention of the printing press, radio, television and the internet, as well as the invention of the combustion and other engines together, this potential must be used to raise and not lower the quality of life of all people in the world and not just a few.
Speaker
Thomas Schneider
Reason
This comment is insightful because it provides a powerful historical framework for understanding AI’s transformative potential by comparing it to multiple revolutionary technologies combined. It moves beyond typical single-technology comparisons and emphasizes the unprecedented scale of change while establishing a moral imperative for inclusive benefits.
Impact
This comment sets the foundational tone for the entire discussion by establishing AI as potentially the most transformative technology in human history, which justifies the urgency and global cooperation needed for governance. It frames all subsequent points within this context of unprecedented transformation requiring unprecedented responsibility.
While today we are developing AI to automate cognitive labor, we have developed engines to automate physical labor… And we do not expect one single institution or instrument to govern all of this. But we have developed a set of thousands of technical, legal, and also non-written societal norms that guide us in the use of these machines.
Speaker
Thomas Schneider
Reason
This analogy is particularly thought-provoking because it reframes AI governance from a seemingly impossible task into a familiar historical pattern. By drawing parallels between cognitive automation (AI) and physical automation (engines), it provides a practical roadmap based on 200 years of successful governance evolution.
Impact
This comment fundamentally shifts the discussion from viewing AI governance as an unprecedented challenge to understanding it as part of a historical continuum. It introduces the concept that complex, multi-layered governance is not only acceptable but necessary and proven, reducing anxiety about governance complexity while providing concrete direction.
We consider the transformative power of AI to be too big, broad and context-specific so that no one single institution and no single instrument will allow us to seize all opportunities and will solve all problems. So we will have to learn to live with a certain complexity of the governance of this transformation.
Speaker
Thomas Schneider
Reason
This comment is insightful because it directly challenges the common desire for simple, unified solutions to AI governance. It acknowledges the uncomfortable truth that effective governance will necessarily be complex and distributed, which goes against human preference for neat, centralized solutions.
Impact
This comment serves as a crucial reality check that redirects expectations away from seeking a single global AI authority toward accepting and designing for governance complexity. It prepares stakeholders for the messy but necessary work of building interconnected, multi-level governance systems.
The principles set out by the Vilnius Convention are simple and clear, but the Convention leaves enough leeway to participating states in order to allow to embed these principles in their existing legal and regulatory institutions and traditions. This will allow many countries to become parties to this global convention and to make sure that their governance frameworks may, although not become identical, but at least interoperable.
Speaker
Thomas Schneider
Reason
This comment introduces the sophisticated concept of ‘interoperable’ rather than ‘identical’ governance frameworks. It recognizes that effective global cooperation doesn’t require uniformity but rather compatibility – a nuanced approach that respects sovereignty while enabling coordination.
Impact
This comment provides a practical pathway forward that balances global coordination with national autonomy. It offers a model for how international AI governance can work in practice, moving the discussion from theoretical principles to implementable frameworks that respect diverse legal and cultural traditions.
Overall assessment
While this transcript represents a monologue rather than a multi-participant discussion, Thomas Schneider’s comments collectively shaped a sophisticated framework for understanding AI governance. His most impactful contribution was reframing AI governance from an unprecedented challenge into a familiar historical pattern of managing transformative technologies. The historical analogy with engines and physical automation provided both reassurance and practical direction, while his emphasis on governance complexity and interoperability over uniformity offered realistic pathways forward. These comments work together to transform what could have been an overwhelming topic into a manageable, historically-grounded challenge with proven approaches for success.
Follow-up questions
What specific focus and goals should the Geneva AI Summit 2027 have?
Speaker
Thomas Schneider
Explanation
Schneider explicitly stated that Switzerland has not decided yet about the focus of the Geneva Summit and is seeking input from stakeholders worldwide to shape it together
How can we better facilitate orientation in the complex AI governance ecosystem for less resourced communities?
Speaker
Thomas Schneider
Explanation
Schneider mentioned this as an area where Switzerland will work with partners to help less resourced communities understand what is happening where and how to make their voices heard
What are the specific gaps in global and regional governance of AI that need to be identified and filled?
Speaker
Thomas Schneider
Explanation
Schneider indicated this as ongoing work that needs to continue until the Geneva Summit to achieve shared objectives for AI governance
How can we develop appropriate technical, legal and societal frameworks for AI that are context-specific yet interoperable?
Speaker
Thomas Schneider
Explanation
Schneider emphasized the need to develop frameworks similar to how engines were governed over 200 years, but acknowledged the complexity of making them work across different contexts while remaining interoperable
What lessons from governing combustion engines and other transformative technologies can be effectively applied to AI governance?
Speaker
Thomas Schneider
Explanation
Schneider drew parallels between past governance of physical automation and current needs for cognitive automation, suggesting this comparison needs deeper exploration
Disclaimer: This is not an official session record. DiploAI generates these resources from audiovisual recordings, and they are presented as-is, including potential errors. Due to logistical challenges, such as discrepancies in audio/video or transcripts, names may be misspelled. We strive for accuracy to the best of our ability.
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