Hundreds of parliamentarians from around the world will gather in Geneva for the 149th IPU Assembly, taking place from 13th to 17th October 2024.

Under the overarching theme: Harnessing science, technology, and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future, legislators will consider parliamentary action to maximize the benefits, but also mitigate the risks, of new technologies, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

Bertrand Piccard, Swiss psychiatrist, explorer and technology pioneer, will address the Assembly on the importance of placing humanity back at the centre of science and innovation.

The Assembly is set to adopt a new Charter on the Ethics of Science and Technology, drafted by the IPU’s Working Group on Science and Technology.

The Charter aims to create a regulatory framework of principles to guide legislation and decision-making, ensuring that science and technology serve to benefit humanity, society and the environment.

Parliamentarians are also expected to adopt an
IPU resolution entitled ”The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”

The resolution urges parliaments ‘to develop strong legal frameworks and policies for the responsible creation, deployment and use of AI technology’. It seeks to address the vulnerabilities of democratic institutions to AI and mitigate harmful impacts such as the spread of misinformation, hate speech, or incitement of violence through AI-generated content.

Throughout the Assembly, various IPU bodies will convene, including the four thematic Standing Committees, the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, and the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians.

Source: Emirates News Agency