More than 20 world leaders have called for stronger international oversight of the most advanced artificial intelligence systems, urging technology companies to conduct mandatory safety testing and governments to establish common standards for managing frontier AI.
Leaders from the UAE, Türkiye, Kenya, Kazakhstan and several European countries are also among the signatories. The second proposal focuses on governments. Countries and regional organizations are being urged to coordinate common AI standards, improve transparency and establish systems for sharing reports of serious safety incidents. The leaders also want countries across different regions to have access to scientific expertise and trusted evaluation capabilities, an effort they say should prevent a widening gap between countries in their ability to benefit from AI. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the initiative.
The statement has been endorsed by 22 political leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
He said member states should build on existing international mechanisms and explore an institution capable of setting standards, enabling verification and convening countries when specified capability thresholds are crossed.
