PH Renews Commitment to Promoting Rules-based Governance of Artificial Intelligence at ReAIM Summit 2024
Hon. Charles C. Jose, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations, delivering the Philippine statement at the Ministerial Roundtable of Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (ReAIM) Summit 2024 (photos courtesy of the ReAIM Summit 2024 Secretariat) and the Philippine Delegation.
SEOUL 18 September 2024 – Reinforcing its commitment to equitable access and rules-based governance in artificial intelligence (AI), the Philippines, led by Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations, Charles C. Jose, took an active role in the 2024 Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (ReAIM) Summit on 9-10 September 2024.
The summit provided a platform for dialogue on the opportunities, challenges, and risks associated with integrating AI into military operations. Undersecretary Jose, in his remarks, underscored the importance of ensuring responsible AI use, referencing the outcomes of the Manila Meeting on Indo-Pacific perspectives on autonomous weapons systems (AWS) hosted by the Philippines in December 2023. In last year’s AWS meeting, regional and international stakeholders engaged in a comprehensive discussion on the growing role of AI in defense and security, focusing on ensuring that AI's military applications remain ethical, accountable, and environmentally sustainable.
“The Philippines believes that the use of AI in military applications should be guided by clearly defined principles of responsible behavior, existing international norms, and the values upon which these norms are based,” Undersecretary Jose emphasized during his intervention at the ReAIM Summit. He further added, “However, these guidelines should not impede the development and adoption of legally binding rules governing the use of AI in military contexts."
The ReAIM Summit, co-hosted by the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Republic of Singapore, focused on fostering dialogue among nations to promote the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in military domains. This year’s theme, “Responsible AI for a Safer Tomorrow,” underscored the global commitment to leveraging AI's potential while addressing its risks.
The Philippines’ active engagement in the summit reflects its dedication to contributing to the development of international norms that ensure AI technologies are used responsibly and with transparency in military applications. Undersecretary Jose also held bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the summit with key partners and the United Nations to further enhance cooperation in the field of AI governance.
The ReAIM Summit continues to serve as a platform for countries to address the ethical, legal, and security implications of AI in military contexts, facilitating international collaboration and guiding the responsible use of emerging technologies. END
