Tine Novak addresses the OSCE's Economic and Environmental Forum in Prague, 12 Sept. 2024PRAGUE, 12 September 2024 – Addressing today the 31st OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum (EEF) in Prague, Tine Novak (Slovenia), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s recently appointed Special Representative on Artificial Intelligence, called for immediate and co-ordinated international efforts to manage the risks posed by AI technologies.
“The digital transformation is rapidly reshaping our economies, societies, and collective security,” Special Representative Novak said. “While this transformation offers immense opportunities, it also presents profound challenges and risks, especially in the field of AI.”
The Special Representative emphasized that while AI has transformative potential across sectors—from autonomous vehicles to healthcare—it also carries serious risks.
“One of the most pressing concerns is the rise of deepfakes, which are digital deceptions that threaten public trust and democratic processes,” he said. “These tools can be weaponized to spread misinformation and incite conflict. Addressing these risks is not just a technical challenge, it is a moral and security imperative.”
In this respect, forward-looking policy guidelines and regulations that manage the risks while harnessing the potential of AI are essential. “To ensure AI is used ethically, transparently, and responsibly, we must establish policies that align with our shared values and place AI firmly under human control, governed by ethical principles and the rule of law,” Novak said.
Given AI’s cross-border nature, the Special Representative stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder co-operation among OSCE participating States and highlighted efforts of the international community in this regard, particularly initiatives by the European Union and the Council of Europe, as well as steps taken by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to address the security implications of AI. The resolutions adopted during the PA’s 2024 Annual Session in Bucharest, Novak pointed out, contain recommendations on various sensitive aspects of AI application, including healthcare, education, green transition and terrorism.
The EEF is the main and highest level annual event within the economic and environmental dimension of the OSCE. The Concluding Meeting of the 31st OSCE EEF is taking place from 12 to 13 September in Prague, being held under the theme of “Enhancing security and stability in the OSCE region through digital innovation, contributing to sustainable development and climate adaptation.”
While in Prague, Special Representative Novak interfaced with senior officials responsible for shaping international economic and environmental policy in the OSCE region, representatives of international organizations, expert academics, business representatives and civil society.
For more information on the work of the Special Representative on Artificial Intelligence, please click here.
