Australia, alongside 100 other countries, international organisations, civil society, and private sector leaders, has now become a signatory to the AI Action Summit convened in Paris. The Summit sought to address the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Recognising AI’s potential to reshape societies, economies, and the planet, participants aligned their efforts with the Paris Pact for People and the Planet, emphasising inclusive, sustainable, and ethical AI development.
The Summit underscored the need to bridge digital divides and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Grounded in principles of science, solutions, and policy standards, the discussions highlighted the importance of open AI models that comply with national frameworks while adhering to international norms. A key focus was ensuring AI remains human-centric, ethical, safe, and trustworthy, with particular attention to supporting developing countries in building AI capacities.
Participants affirmed several priorities, including promoting AI accessibility, fostering innovation, and ensuring AI systems are transparent, inclusive, and sustainable. They also emphasised the need for AI to positively shape labour markets, enhance productivity, and create opportunities for sustainable growth. To achieve these goals, founding members launched the Public Interest AI Platform and Incubator, aimed at reducing fragmentation among existing initiatives and supporting digital public goods, technical assistance, and capacity-building projects.
The Summit also addressed AI’s environmental impact, fostering discussions on sustainable AI systems and establishing an observatory with the International Energy Agency to monitor AI’s energy consumption. Additionally, participants recognised the importance of anticipating AI’s implications for workplaces and education, advocating for networks of observatories to guide policy and training.
Looking ahead, participants pledged to follow up on commitments at upcoming milestones, including the Kigali Summit and the 2025 World AI Conference. By fostering trust, inclusivity, and sustainability, the Summit marks a significant step toward harnessing AI’s potential for the benefit of all people and the planet.
