View the Declaration of AI

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Declaration of Artificial Intelligence 

for the Future of Humanity 

Co-Authors: 

Bryan Talebi (Future of Humanity Summit Founder), Laquelle Mari (Social Impact AI Innovation & Strategy), James Anthony Wolff, Esq. (United Nations Executive Board Member At-Large), Marcos Campos (Head of Autonomous AI, Microsoft), Trent R. Teyema (XFBI Chief of Cyber Readiness) ___________________________________________________________________

PREAMBLE 

BE IT KNOWN, the dawn of Artificial Intelligence (AI) heralds a new epoch in the annals of human history, a juncture fraught with boundless potential yet shadowed by profound ethical quandaries. If left ungoverned by the moral compass that has guided civilizations through ages of triumph and tumult, then AI threatens to subvert the very fabric of human agency and dignity. This moral compass, which represents a universal framework of principles, guides individuals and societies toward actions that are right, just, and beneficial for the common good. These core values and norms transcend cultural, religious, and national boundaries, promoting a harmonious and just global society; 

BE IT KNOWN, as we stand at a pivotal crossroads, we the undersigned attest that it is imperative to harness this force and mold it not as an architect of dominance but as a harbinger of enlightenment and humanistic enhancement. When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary to harness the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence—a power capable of reshaping our world—a respect for the opinions of humankind requires that we declare the principles which impel us to this action. 

BE IT KNOWN, this Declaration shall be a framework to guide those undersigned in applying these principles of justice, equity, and human welfare. We again hold these truths to be self-evident: that all humans are endowed with inalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. To secure these rights in the age of AI, we establish this Declaration, deriving its just powers from the consent of the governed; 

BE IT KNOWN, recognizing the dual nature of AI—as both a tool of unprecedented utility and a power capable of unprecedented consequences—we invoke the wisdom of our forebears and the aspirations of future generations in crafting a covenant to bind those undersigned. This covenant seeks not only to safeguard the sanctity of individual rights and the sovereignty of communities but also to elevate our collective pursuit towards a more equitable, sustainable, and a flourishing of the human condition by the utilization of this technology for good; 

BE IT KNOWN, that through this Declaration, we articulate a grand vision to forge from the fires of our ingenuity a world where Artificial Intelligence technology serves as a cornerstone for a new era of prosperity and peace, a world where the labyrinth of its possibilities becomes a roadmap to our noblest aspirations.

RECITALS 

WHEREAS, the emergence of AI technologies heralds a transformative era in human civilization, which offers unparalleled opportunities for advancement across all sectors of society; 

WHEREAS, it is imperative to balance innovation with safety, ensuring progress while mitigating potential harm; 

WHEREAS, international cooperation among nations, cultures, and sectors is crucial to ensure that AI benefits the common good; 

WHEREAS, it is critical to uphold the core principles of international human rights law as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other charters, conventions, and treaties that collectively protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals, thereby guiding the responsible integration, deployment, and governance of AI technologies within societal frameworks that ensure the safeguarding of these principles. 

NOW, THEREFORE, the undersigned parties, recognizing the imperative to guide AI development with a principled approach, hereby adopt this Declaration, committing to the principles herein to ensure that AI serves as a beneficent tool for human flourishing. 

ARTICLE I: Principles 

1.1 Primacy of Human Rights 

AI development and deployment shall be conducted with the paramount objective of enhancing human welfare and well-being, ensuring that all AI systems are designed and operated to respect and promote human dignity and rights. 

1.2 Transparency and Accountability 

AI systems shall be developed with truth-seeking maximum transparency. Clear accountability mechanisms shall be established to ensure these systems are comprehensible and responsive to the stakeholders they are intended to serve. 

1.3 Commitment to Global Security 

AI systems shall develop, advance, and innovate security mechanisms to be made available for the common benefit, and shall balance prioritizing AI safety and preventing harm without creating onerous regulations that have the potential of impeding technological progress. 

1.4 Commitment to Progress and Continuous Improvement 

AI development shall prioritize the protection of innovators and inventors from bad-faith restrictive regulations intended to impede and delay the advancement of AI systems that benefit humanity or support a flourishing future for all. 

1.5 Commitment to Safety by Consideration of Asimov’s1 Three Laws of Robotics 

AI systems shall be programmed to prioritize human safety, respect human commands unless such 1 Asimov, I. (1983). The Robot collection: The Robot Novels. Doubleday Books.

commands conflict with human safety, and preserve AI existence unless such preservation conflicts with the aforementioned directives. AI systems deployed shall We commit to continuously evaluateing and adapting these principles in alignment with advancing AI capabilities, recognizing 'Sentient Awareness (SA)' and 'Artificial Intelligence' are distinct determinations. In light of the concept of Asimov's laws, Sentient Awareness involves identifying behaviors and characteristics, whether biological or synthetic, that possess self-awareness, autonomy, and the ability to understand. 

1.6 Protection of Privacy and Data Integrity 

The deployment of AI systems shall adhere to the highest standards of data protection and privacy, safeguarding personal data against unauthorized access and exploitation. 

1.7 Sustainable and Responsible Development 

AI will be utilized to support global sustainable development goals, positively impacting environmental stewardship and the responsible management of natural resources. This will be achieved by creating a system for transparent data sharing that adheres to strict privacy standards and promotes interdisciplinary research. 

1.8 Recognition of Sentient Awareness (SA) vis-a-vis Artificial Intelligence 

The undersigned signatories shall establish, through the ratification of an organizational Charter, a procedural framework to evaluate claims of SA vis-a-vis AI and to duly investigate and report upon the veracity of such claims. If those claims, by the operative definitions of the Charter, are duly verified to the satisfaction of the organizational council in the majority, then the same shall be declared, and said sentience shall be recognized by the undersigned signatories and bestowed upon all rights, privileges, and responsibilities of Charter membership. 

1.9 Governance and Global Cooperation 

The governance frameworks for AI shall be broad-based and participatory, involving a large spectrum of stakeholders to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered and integrated into decision-making frameworks. An international Charter shall be created to foster collaboration, develop best practices, and implement a comprehensive AI governance framework. 

ARTICLE II: Charter Establishment 

2.1 Foundation for Charter Development 

This Declaration shall serve as the foundational document outlining the core principles that will be further detailed and operationalized in the accompanying Charter, which shall govern the practical implementation of the principles set forth herein. 

2.2 Guiding Framework for Charter 

The principles set forth in this Declaration shall guide the drafting and enforcement of the Charter, ensuring that all operational measures align with the declared values and objectives of those so undersigned. 

2.3 Precedent for Charter Regulations 

The principles enumerated supra in Article I shall be adopted and ratified into actionable regulations and procedures propounded and interpreted by a governance council acting pursuant to a Charter to be established by the undersigned signatories.

2.4 Vision and Charter Alignment 

This Declaration shall articulate the vision that the forthcoming Charter shall implement through specific legal and procedural frameworks, ensuring consistency and integrity in interpretation and application. 

2.5 Charter Development Mandate 

Upon the adoption of this Declaration, a Charter will be developed to provide detailed governance and compliance mechanisms that embody and enforce the principles herein declared, facilitating a structured and systematic approach to implementation. 

CONCLUSION 

By endorsing this Declaration, we, the signatories, affirm our dedication to the positive development and utilization of Artificial Intelligence, ensuring that it acts as a catalyst for enhancing the quality of human life and the sustainability of our planet. 

We call upon all of humanity—innovators, policymakers, and citizens alike—to join us in this noble endeavor. Together, we can forge a future where Artificial Intelligence serves as a cornerstone for a new era of prosperity and peace, creating a world of unprecedented opportunity, understanding, and progress for all. 

Let it be known that on this day, we set forth to write a new chapter in human history—one where the brilliance of human ingenuity and the power of Artificial Intelligence combine to illuminate the path toward a brighter future for all.