Norway
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Dear colleagues,
We meet at a pivotal moment.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer on the horizon; it is here, actively reshaping our economies, institutions, and societies.
This transformation is evident in our daily work, from the data we analyze to the countries we serve.
AI is changing how governments operate and delivering public service while raising new questions of capacity, ethics, and equity — especially for developing countries.
This revolution extends beyond job displacement. It fundamentally alters how value is created, who benefits, and who risks being left behind.
AI is now entering sectors once thought immune to automation, including health, education, logistics, law and finance — performing tasks that require judgment, coordination, even creativity.
The potential is immense, so are the risks.
AI can help us address urgent skill shortages, make work safer, smarter, more productive, and unlock innovation in every corner of the world.
However, the risks are equally significant: widespread job displacement, obsolete skills,and widening inequalities between workers, companies, and nations.
This is why we must act collectively.
Technology itself does not determine our future — our policies and choices do.
We need to build inclusive ecosystems, from education and training to infrastructure and governance.
We must ensure fair labour transitions and modernize social protection systems.
The core principle must be that AI serves people, not the other way around.
To achieve this, we must invest in digital literacy, especially for women, youth, and workers in the informal economy, while promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in the workplace.
International cooperation is essential, as no country can navigate this AI transformation alone.
AI must be a tool to bridge divides, not deepen them.
This is not just a technological revolution; it is a social and political one, demanding collective leadership.
Let us use this discussion to share, reflect, and build a common direction grounded in dignity, equity, and sustainability.
I look forward to your contributions in the Norway IGF Messages, which will be a key input to the WSIS+20 review by the UN General Assembly.
Thank you.