Recognition of the need for legitimate and effective international cooperation on the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to keep growing in the coming months and years as the capabilities of AI systems expand at an exceptionally fast pace. AI is having transformational global implications, with harms from this technology already materializing and many others starting to appear over the horizon. Awareness around these risks is emerging gradually as AI systems continue to exhibit dangerous capabilities, and could increase as a result of a sudden “risk awareness moment” or “focusing event”. As stated by the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, “waiting for a threat to emerge may mean that any response will come too late”. The international community still has time to prevent what could very well become a wave of individual, collective and State harm, but it will need to act decisively to create the norms and institutions required to do so.

On the basis of recent studies on gaps and opportunities for an international AI governance regime, this tool aims to address seven building blocks for an international governance regime. These are: red lines, safety standards, technical cooperation, emergency response, benefit sharing, compliance mechanisms, and institutional design. Together, the building blocks represented in the Articles aim to ensure that AI technologies can disseminate and benefit humanity, allowing individuals and societies to thrive and meet the goals they have set for themselves. Ultimately, however, States have a duty to ensure that this development or transfer takes place in the only way where those benefits can be truly realized. That is, in the same way that other emerging technologies and most products are treated around the world: in a responsible manner that prioritizes people’s safety and wellbeing.