Shaping the Future of AI in Trade and Society
On the global stage at the World Trade Organisation’s AI Conference in Geneva, the UK’s Minister for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety, Baroness Jones, delivered an inspiring keynote address outlining the UK’s vision for AI as a transformative force in global trade, innovation, and sustainable development.
AI at the Heart of the UK’s Economic Strategy
Baroness Jones highlighted how the UK is embedding technology at the core of its economic growth strategy, driving innovation, job creation, and prosperity. She emphasised the pivotal role of the UK’s world-class universities in fostering cutting-edge AI research and cultivating entrepreneurial talent. This investment strengthens the UK’s position as a leader in the global tech economy.
The UK’s commitment to digital transformation extends to modernising public services. Streamlining processes and reducing bureaucracy empowers citizens and businesses alike, creating a more efficient and accessible digital infrastructure.
AI’s Potential to Transform Global Trade
Baroness Jones pointed to the World Economic Forum’s forecast that generative AI could add $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy and the WTO’s findings that universal adoption of AI could boost global trade growth by 14% and real global GDP by 11% by 2040. These figures underscore AI’s transformative potential not only in trade but across every aspect of society.
AI’s dual role as both a trade-enabling tool and a tradable good was highlighted, reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in shaping standards and policies that support responsible innovation and economic growth.
The UK’s Domestic AI Ecosystem
Baroness Jones detailed the UK’s proactive approach to AI, including:
- The AI Opportunities Action Plan: Led by entrepreneur Matt Clifford, this plan outlines concrete steps to grow the UK’s AI sector, modernise public services, and ensure all citizens benefit from AI’s potential.
- AI Assurance Market Growth: With the market projected to reach £6.5 billion by 2030, the UK is fostering tools and standards for responsible AI use.
- Targeted AI Regulation: Binding regulations for powerful AI systems will ensure public trust and regulatory clarity.
- AI Standards Hub: Hosting a global summit in 2024 to advance AI safety and interoperability through technical standards.
*Images from: https://www.ai-ecosystem.org/uk
A Commitment to Global Collaboration
Acknowledging that AI knows no borders, Baroness Jones emphasised the UK’s dedication to working with international partners, including the OECD, ITU, and WTO, to shape global AI governance. The UK is also investing £58 million in the AI for Development programme, fostering innovation and capacity building in Africa and Asia.
Harnessing AI for Sustainable Development
The Minister celebrated AI’s potential to address global challenges such as food insecurity and climate change. UK-funded AI innovations have already made tangible impacts, such as improving water safety for refugees worldwide.
A Call to Action
Baroness Jones urged attendees to actively shape the future of AI to ensure it benefits all nations and protects all citizens. She praised the WTO’s leadership in initiating global conversations on AI and trade and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to collaborative policymaking that balances innovation with safety and equity.
The speech concluded with a powerful message:
“Our task is urgent. AI will change our societies and economies. Our choice is not whether that change happens—it is whether we actively shape the future of this technology and the world it will enable.”
The UK stands ready to work with global partners to create a future where AI drives shared prosperity and progress.
