"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] AI Seoul Summit Leaders' Session, Video Message by KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan

[Place] SeoulSeoul
[Date] May 21, 2024
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes] Provisional Translation
[Full text]

1. Introduction

I would like to thank President Yoon and Prime Minister Sunak for your initiative in hosting the AI Seoul Summit.

It is my regret that I am unable to participate in today's session in real time. I nonetheless would like to join you in this important meeting to offer my views.

2. To achieve safe, secure, and trustworthy AI

In order to maximize the innovative opportunities brought by AI, there is an urgent need to establish international governance to mitigate its risks, such as the risk of disinformation, and to achieve safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.

Last year, under Japan's Presidency, the G7 launched the Hiroshima AI Process, which led to the development of the International Guiding Principles as well as the Code of Conduct, contributing to the reduction in the specific risks posed by AI. Building on these outcomes of the Hiroshima AI Process, I attended the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting earlier this month and kicked off the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, with the participation of 49 countries and regions, including all those who are represented here in today's session. Together with those countries beyond the G7, we will advance initiatives towards achieving safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.

The initiatives under the AI Seoul Summit and the Hiroshima AI Process are complementary to one another. Deepening international discussions on AI safety is essential to promote the implementation of the International Code of Conduct by organizations developing AI systems.

Turning to domestic initiatives, reflecting the results of the Hiroshima AI Process, the Government of Japan released the AI Guidelines for Business last month. We will encourage efforts to ensure that a wide range of businesses can utilize AI while addressing the associated risks.

On AI safety evaluation, Japan established the AI Safety Institute (AISI) this February. We will work closely with our international partners towards establishing interoperable safety evaluation methodologies.

3. Conclusion

Once again, Japan supports the objectives of the AI Seoul Summit and commits itself to further contributing to the international discussions on AI. I would like to offer my best wishes for a successful Summit meeting and for fruitful discussions and achievements. Thank you very much for your kind attention.