Launching the 2025 International AI Standards Summit

Setting the standard for responsible AI: 2025 International AI Standards Summit announced this World Standards Day

• The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have announced today, on World Standards Day, a joint effort to launch the 2025 International AI Standards Summit

• This initiative follows the adoption of the Global Digital Compact by world leaders in September, and is a direct response to a call to action by the United Nations to enhance Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance through International Standards.

Geneva, Switzerland / New Delhi, India, 14 October 2024 - The 2025 International AI Standards Summit was announced today at the Fifth Global Standards Symposium in New Delhi, India, during a special session dedicated to the crucial role of International Standards in ensuring safe, responsible and inclusive use of AI. The first iteration of the summit is being held this week in New Delhi.

This joint initiative by IEC, ISO and ITU advances the UN's framework for global governance of digital technology and AI, the Global Digital Compact. The Compact, which was adopted last month as part of the "Pact for the Future" by world leaders convening at the 2024 UN Summit of the Future, highlights the need for increased collaboration among standards development organizations in promoting the development and adoption of interoperable AI standards that uphold safety, reliability, sustainability and human rights.

The launch of the International AI Standards Summit is a tangible example of the strength of collaboration between the three organizations, and directly answers the call to action for an AI summit outlined in the UN's recently published High-level Advisory Body report, 'Governing AI for Humanity'.

As underscored by the UN, AI is already transforming our world, and while it offers tremendous potential for good, if left ungoverned, potential opportunities may not manifest or be distributed equitably.

The International AI Standards Summit aligns with this vision and will serve as a vital platform to address the complex challenges posed by AI, ensuring that standards are developed and remain relevant to foster safe, transparent, and inclusive technologies for all.

ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica said there is a critical need for a collaborative approach to effective AI governance through International Standards.

"The adoption of International Standards in a coordinated way is instrumental in ensuring a future of responsible use of AI," Mr Mujica said.

"AI is revolutionizing industries, driving innovation, and building the resilient infrastructure needed to achieve sustainable development all over the world.

"International Standards lay at the heart of this transformation, helping to ensure that AI is developed, deployed and used in a responsible manner across the globe.

"ISO is committed to developing standards that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our ongoing cooperation with, with IEC and ITU, reinforces this mission, including initiatives like the AI and Multimedia Authenticity Standards Collaboration, which we announced in May.

"Standards can support policy goals where global governance is essential, promoting the dissemination of beneficial systems and practices and fostering the efficient development of advanced AI technologies."

By bringing together key stakeholders and experts from around the world, the summit will build a strong foundation for AI governance, advancing the work on creating global standards that promote inclusive and responsible AI development. The 2025 International AI Standards Summit will take place from 2-3 December 2025 in Seoul, hosted by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS).

"We have a responsibility to deliver standards that build confidence in the digital world that underpins so much of our society. Our joint standardization work is already bringing benefits in terms of enhanced interoperability, trustworthiness and transparency in emerging technologies like AI. By working together, IEC, ISO and ITU can leverage their unique expertise and provide valuable insights on AI standards to help governments and policymakers make more informed governance decisions." said Philippe Metzger, IEC Secretary-General & CEO.

"As three organizations who are committed to delivering on the call in the recent Global Digital Compact, we are pleased to launch the AI Standards Summit. We believe this will enable tangible, and concrete outcomes to further AI innovation in a way that serves the best interests for humanity," he added.

Seizo Onoe, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, reiterated the importance of the partnership:

"ITU is proud to host the first edition of the International AI Standards Summit this week in New Delhi together with our longstanding partners IEC and ISO. We are committed to ensuring that standards support responsible AI governance. That is also the aim of our standards collaboration on AI watermarking and multimedia authenticity launched at this year's AI for Good Global Summit. IEC, ISO and ITU are now collaborating to develop an AI standards database, a key priority for the UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology."

The launch of the 2025 International AI Standards Summit on World Standards Day is significant. World Standards Day 2024 encourages the building of a world where resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrial growth, and cutting-edge innovation - powered by AI and supported by International Standards - can drive economic transformation, today and for future generations.

In 2024, the spotlight is on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, with a dedicated focus on advancements driven by AI.

People are invited to join the conversation on social media this #WorldStandardsDay about achieving #SDG9 through #AI.

More information about World Standards Day is available at www.worldstandardsday.org/home.

For more information or interviews, please contact:

ISO	IEC	ITU
Vanessa Von der Mühll Head of Communications & Engagement, ISO +41 79 842 97 34 [email protected] [email protected]	James Wood Director of Communications, IEC +41 22 919 03 13 [email protected] [email protected]	Matthew Dalais Communications Officer, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, ITU +41 22 730 5974 [email protected]

About IEC:

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a global, not-for-profit membership organization that brings together close to 170 countries and coordinates the work of 30 000 experts globally. IEC International Standards and conformity assessment work underpins international trade in electrical and electronic goods. It facilitates electricity access and verifies the safety, performance and interoperability of electric and electronic devices and systems, including for example, consumer devices such as mobile phones or refrigerators, office and medical equipment, information technology, electricity generation, and much more.

Conformity assessment refers to any activity that determines whether a product, system, service and sometimes people fulfil the requirements and characteristics described in a standard or specification. Such requirements can include performance, safety, efficiency, effectiveness, reliability, durability or environmental impacts such as pollution or noise. Verification is generally done through testing and/or inspection.

About ISO:

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 170 national standards bodies. Through its global network, it facilitates the development of voluntary and market-relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges. ISO has published more than 25 000 International Standards and related documents covering almost every industry, from technology to food safety, to agriculture and healthcare. Visit iso.org.

About ITU:

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, it is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. Learn more: www.itu.int.

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