‘Switzerland actively contributing to development of technical standards’ | India News
Swiss President Guy Permelin supports a governance framework for AI that does not rely on a single machine and calls for social norms that guide users. Excerpts from an interview with TOI:How countries should cope AI regulation? Need to have a new agency? Will a regulator stifle the innovation and development of AI but how do you deal with challenges like deep counterfeiting?Over the past 200 years, mankind has established thousands of legal, technical and social rules to “regulate” the development and use of engines in various machines and vehicles with different levels of coordination, based on the specific context of use. Like engines, we believe that AI cannot be “governed” by a single instrument, but we need to create a governance framework composed of many instruments to cover the various aspects of AI development and use. Switzerland is therefore actively contributing to the development of technical standards for AI, through binding and non-binding legal instruments, such as the UNESCO Recommendation or Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) and the Council of Europe Framework Convention, which is elaborated between 55 countries around the world and is the first binding international agreement. But we also need social and cultural norms that guide us when using AI in our particular context.Switzerland is chairing the OSCE for the third time this year. In that capacity, what do you propose to do to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Also, what do you think about India’s efforts to reach out to both sides for a ceasefire and return to dialogue and diplomacy?Under the first priority of its OSCE Chairmanship (“Helsinki Principles – for a lasting peace”), Switzerland is committed to a just peace in Ukraine, based on international law and the Helsinki Principles. As Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis visited Kiev (February 2) and Moscow (February 5-6) with the OSCE Secretary-General and concluded a discussion to propose dialogue and ensure that all relevant actors could contribute to the OSCE. Ultimately, it is up to the states to decide whether to use itThe past year has been turbulent in trade? How much cushion does the trade deal with India provide?Free trade agreements such as the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) are an important tool, especially in challenging times for trade policy. They enable the Swiss export industry to tap into new markets and diversify. This strengthens Switzerland’s position as a business location and increases its ability to create added value, create new jobs and preserve existing ones.Given the unilateral tariff actions of the last 10 months, the multitude of bilateral trade agreements around the world and the way the WTO’s powers are completely undermined?The WTO has long been under severe pressure, but despite institutional paralysis, some 74% of global trade still takes place on MFN terms, underscoring the system’s continued relevance. It is the only global organization that monitors members’ trading systems and offers a permanent forum for dialogue among 166 economies. In the context of growing tensions and challenges to established norms, Switzerland will continue to champion multilateralism and support WTO reforms to preserve rules-based trade. WTO members broadly share this view: they have repeatedly signaled a strong willingness to engage in meaningful reforms, particularly in the run-up to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference.The global order is changing, be it trade, arms reduction, or threatening or attacking others. Where are things going, is this a transition phase?The international system is undergoing deep and far-reaching transformations. Global democracy is under pressure. Tariffs are being raised, trade deals are being torn up, international rules are being ignored. The rule of law does not prevail, the rule of force. Collective solutions are pushed aside by unilateral action. Great powers assert their interests, waging war to reclaim some old empires. So, today we are at a turning point. A turning point between progress and regression in global cooperation and geopolitical rivalry. Between Democratic Renewal and Authoritarian Decline. We must actively shape this transformation. In this context, Switzerland is interested in diversifying and deepening its relations with democratic partners like India that are proponents of international law and the rules-based international system and have considerable global influence and reach.Some believe that immigration concerns are overstated and there is a need to help people in a time of European population decline. But immigrants bring their own challenges, especially problems with adjustment and feedback. How do you balance the two when you see backlash against certain immigrant groups?Switzerland recognizes that human mobility is a global phenomenon. Humans have always moved in response to economic, social, political, security and environmental challenges, in search of opportunity and/or security. Fair, regular and safe migration can be a driver of sustainable development and economic resilience, growth and prosperity for both countries of origin and destination. However, unsafe and irregular migration brings risks and challenges, even more so for young people and women. Switzerland – as a small but highly globalized country – has a strong interest in an international system of migration governance that addresses the benefits of migration for economies and populations as well as the risks associated with unsafe migration and forced displacement. In order to address challenges as well as create opportunities, Switzerland’s foreign policy on migration is characterized by a partnership approach with countries of origin, transit and destination.
