Switzerland Has the Best Conditions
Thanks to a stable political environment, modern digital infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and solid financial resources, Switzerland is ideally positioned to play a responsible and leading role in international AI development.
“Switzerland must take the lead and actively put the principles of this convention into practice,” says Chris Beyeler, president of swissAI. “The world won’t wait. Those who fail to act today will fall behind tomorrow.”
A Milestone for Europe
The Council of Europe Convention (CETS No. 225), adopted in Vilnius on September 5, 2024, is the world’s first legally binding international instrument in the field of artificial intelligence. It obligates the contracting states to design the entire life cycle of AI systems in a way that safeguards human rights, fundamental democratic principles, and the rule of law. The Convention’s core values are transparency, accountability, data protection, non-discrimination, and public participation.
swissAI Calls for a Push in the Education Sector
For swissAI, one thing is clear: the principles of the convention must be swiftly enshrined at the national level. Education is a key area. “We need a national initiative for digital and ethical education—starting in elementary school,” Beyeler emphasizes. Only those who understand early on how AI works and what opportunities and risks it entails can play an active, self-determined role in shaping a digitalized society.
Every week counts now
For about two and a half years, AI has been at the center of profound social and economic changes. In this dynamic environment, a wait-and-see approach is not an option. swissAI calls on the federal government, the cantons, educational institutions, and companies to take joint and coordinated action now.
Contact
swissAI – Association for Artificial Intelligence
Address: Landstrasse 105, 5412 Gebenstorf
Phone: +41 56 560 11 00
Email: human@swissai.ch
Website: www.swissai.ch
swissAI Press Contact:
Chris Beyeler, President
Phone: +41 56 560 11 00
Email: chris@swissai.ch
Brief Information on the Council of Europe's AI Convention
The “Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law” was adopted by the Council of Europe in 2024. It requires signatory states to promote human-centered AI and actively manage risks. Key areas of focus include transparency, accountability, protection against discrimination, data ethics, and democratic oversight. Switzerland is among the first signatory states.
Council of Europe Treaty Series – No. 225
Profile of swissAI – Association for Artificial Intelligence
swissAI is the association for artificial intelligence (AI) in Switzerland. It promotes knowledge about AI with the goal of ensuring its beneficial use and is committed to raising awareness of AI within the business community and among the general public. To this end, the association organizes events and projects to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expand its network. It conducts public relations activities and provides resources on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, visit www.swissai.ch.
Disclaimer: Text and image generated by AI