UK hosts AI Safety Summit, Pledges £38 Million to support AI projects worldwide starting with Africa

The United Kingdom, today, kicked off the world’s first major summit on artificial intelligence (AI) safety, where political and technology leaders gathered to address the societal impact of this transformative technology.

Notable attendees included UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, US Vice President Kamala Harris, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, highlighting concerns about frontier AI.

The latest AI models have showcased the technology’s potential but have also raised apprehensions regarding issues such as job displacement, cyber threats, and human control over AI systems.

Sunak, whose government initiated the summit, expressed the “ultimate goal” of collaborating internationally to ensure the safety of AI systems before release, aiming to establish the first-ever international statement on AI risks, drawing parallels with climate change efforts.

However, London has adjusted its ambitions, such as launching a new regulatory body, due to perceived lack of enthusiasm.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was the only G7 leader to attend the conference, while Elon Musk’s participation remained uncertain.

While AI offers significant promise, especially in medicine, its unchecked development raises concerns.

Sunak emphasised the importance of countries reaching a shared understanding of AI risks.

Nevertheless, campaigner Cori Crider suggested that the summit might be more of a talk shop, highlighting the absence of UK regulators and labour organisations in discussions.

Over 100 signatories of an open letter criticised the exclusion of affected communities and workers and the limited participation of civil society organisations.

To address AI risks, the UK pledged £38 million to fund AI projects globally, beginning in Africa. the initiative will include investment in post-graduate AI research skills in Nigeria.

A report by Independent UK noted that this would aim to contribute towards at least eight AI laboratories at African universities, seeking to help make countries across the continent “influential in the worldwide conversation on AI.

Prior to the summit, G7 powers agreed on a non-binding “code of conduct” for advanced AI system developers.

Italy, Germany, and France advocated for an innovation-friendly approach to AI regulation in Europe, emphasising the need for investment to compete with the United States and China.

Vice President Harris announced the creation of the United States AI Safety Institute (US AISI) to establish guidelines, tools, benchmarks, and best practices for mitigating AI risks.

China’s participation was uncertain, and London’s invitation to President Xi Jinping sparked interest amid tensions and accusations of technological espionage between China and Western nations.