Blanar Meets UN Tech Envoy Gill to Discuss Global AI Rules

Bratislava, 25 November (TASR) - Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) met UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology Amandeep Singh Gill on Monday (24 November) to discuss global rules for artificial intelligence (AI) during the envoy's official visit to Slovakia while attending the BratislavAI Forum event, TASR has learnt from the ministry's communications department. "Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key topics of global security, development and multilateralism. The Slovak Republic therefore supports the UN's efforts to set common rules for its responsible and fair use," said the minister, adding that AI is fundamentally changing how economies, societies and education systems operate. He described the United Nations as the natural leader in setting worldwide standards for AI and digital technologies. Discussing the implementation of the Global Digital Compact as a framework for fair and responsible use of digital technologies including AI, both partners placed particular emphasis on support for developing countries, transparency and safe data management. They also touched on new UN platforms such as the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI aimed at supporting the adoption of beneficial AI mechanisms within the UN. Blanar expressed Slovakia's interest in taking an active part in both processes, including via the participation of Slovak experts in a scientific panel. Slovakia sees the UN as a key pillar of the rules-based international system, and Blanar confirmed Slovakia's firm commitment to multilateralism. He also informed Gill about Slovakia's candidacy for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2028–2029. The BratislavAI Forum has been organised by the Education Ministry in cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). It's brought together leaders from the UN, OECD, UNESCO, government, technology companies and academia. jrg/df