As the digital transformation accelerates globally, CIGI continues to lead crucial work on articulating principles, developing standards and recommending innovative policy proposals to address its rapid and far-reaching implications.
We are experiencing a very real — and urgent — demand from multilateral institutions, governments, the private sector and the non-profit sector for CIGI’s work. Many institutions are no longer fit for purpose with these new and rapidly changing technologies. They require innovative and adaptable policies to meet the governance challenges of artificial intelligence (AI), digital currencies, automated warfare, as well as cyberattacks, disinformation and other threats to our democracies and to our mental health.
Over the past year, I have had the privilege to address parliamentary committees, governments and international groups and advocate for CIGI’s research and policy ideas in these areas, including at the Royal United Services Institute in London, UK, and with Ambassador Stéphane Dion at the Canadian Embassy in Paris, France. Other international partners such as the Forum on Information and Democracy can play a key role in promoting the frameworks and standards that the world needs.
The Government of Canada’s creation of a new cabinet-level committee on national security and intelligence is an important development, and one that CIGI has called for. It comes at a crucial time for questions around election interference and Canada’s role in supporting security abroad, especially in Ukraine.
AI and digital platforms have and can continue to bring huge benefits to our societies. But with the dramatic rise of generative AI, our societies are rightfully questioning how they will be governed effectively to ensure safety. CIGI’s work to support safer digital spaces is a prime example of how this should be achieved, using rich research and data and by engaging directly with women, girls and LGBTQ+ people, who are disproportionately harmed by technology-facilitated violence in all its forms.
Jim Balsillie
Chair, CIGI Board of Directors