The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) came together, on World Standards Day earlier this month, 14th October, in 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.
The Fifth Global Standards Symposium in New Delhi, India, became the platform for the launch of the summit, 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 was held the same 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 organisations 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 organisations, 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 revolutionising 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 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,” concluded Mr Mujica.
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 standardisation 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 organisations 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.
