World leaders and AI pioneers are calling on the United Nations to implement binding global safeguards for artificial intelligence by 2026. This initiative aims to address the growing concerns surrounding the ethical and safe use of AI technologies worldwide.
In 2025, AI has transitioned from mere buzz to practical application across various industries, highlighting the urgent need for a robust governance framework aligned with the zero trust economy. Effective AI governance not only ensures accountability and adherence to ethical principles but also accelerates innovation and productivity within organizations.
The upcoming governance framework on artificial intelligence in India may introduce a “technical secretariat” to coordinate AI policies across government departments, moving away from the previous idea of establishing a regulatory body. This secretariat, to be housed within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, will focus on developing metrics and frameworks while collaborating with the industry on AI-related issues.
The commentary discusses the tension between regulating AI for safety and promoting innovation, emphasizing that investments in AI safety and security can foster sustainable development in Global Majority countries. It highlights the upcoming AI Impact Summit in India as a pivotal opportunity to align innovation priorities with safety-first approaches in international AI cooperation.
ASEAN’s approach to AI governance is characterized by a consensus-driven, voluntary, and principles-based framework that allows member states to navigate their unique challenges and capacities. However, this strategy risks fragmentation as countries adopt diverse paths influenced by external models, raising questions about the region’s ability to consolidate into a cohesive governance model.