From 9 to 11 February, Minister of Smart Administration and Regional Development Inga Bērziņa will participate in the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence in Paris to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence with stakeholders from all regions, as well as to exchange views on current work streams, challenges and opportunities for the use of artificial intelligence.
On 9 February, at the Global AI Partnership Ministerial Meeting, Minister I. Bērziņa will inform about the process of establishing the Latvian National Centre for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), which will be one of the instruments to develop Latvia as a country for the development and implementation of trusted AI applications, as well as engage in global AI governance initiatives that will promote the responsible use of AI technologies. At the same time, the use of AI will simplify the access to services for Latvian citizens and contribute to the country's economic development and competitiveness. The Centre will act as a platform for cooperation between government, the scientific sector and industry.
The Centre will have to manage and prevent AI-related risks at national level, strengthen international cooperation and promote the practical application of AI in public administration and the private sector. Small and medium-sized enterprises will be supported to use AI for productivity, growth and innovation. The presence of the Latvian language in large language models will also be promoted. The Centre will oversee and implement activities for the use of reliable and secure AI.
The Partnership has a key role to play in shaping the global AI agenda. We stand ready to continue our active engagement in international initiatives to work together towards a responsible and sustainable future for AI. Minister Bērziņa will pay particular attention to AI safety and reliability issues, including the fight against misinformation, the ability of society to use AI technologies effectively, and knowledge about how to use them safely, responsibly and in an environmentally friendly way.
On 10 and 11 February, heads of government, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, academia and research will gather in Paris for the AI Action Summit, which will include the signing of a declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI for people and the planet. Minister Bērziņa will attend the Summit as part of the delegation of President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs.