The head of state will be giving two presentations at the summit, in which he will focus on international cooperation in the development of AI and in the creation and adoption of global regulations. He will also be showcasing Estonia’s AI Leap programme and its aims.
“Estonia shares its experience of crafting e-state solutions with developing countries, which supports them in ultimately achieving independence from foreign aid,” President Karis explained. “Our experience has taught us to view the development and use of technology first and foremost as an opportunity, and AI is no exception in that regard. We feel it is important to involve a variety of target groups in the management of technology and the Internet, in addition to governments. That way we ensure the sustainability of digital-era solutions and that they serve the interests of society.”
The head of state will be holding a number of meetings on the sidelines of the summit. In one, he will be discussing Russian-funded disinformation campaigns and developments in UN reforms with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. They will also be talking about Estonia’s candidacy for a seat on the Human Rights Council and the need to bolster the UN’s human rights pillar.
In his meeting with ITU Secretary General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, President Karis will be touching on the security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region, including how to more effectively prevent the growing number of incidents of intentional interference in radio communication and how to ensure the security of undersea communication cables.
In a further meeting, the head of state will be presenting to UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan the e-state solutions that Estonia shares with developing countries and discussing how those countries can be integrated into the system of international trade.
The Geneva-based WSIS+20 or World Summit on the Information Society is an event that brings together leading experts and decision-makers from all around the globe who are shaping the future of technological development and AI management.
President Karis will be returning to Estonia on Friday.
