Jean-Marie Paugam (WTO) urges the creation of coherent global standards to avoid the fragmentation of Artificial Intelligence

 

 

 

 

During the International Summit on AI Standards celebrated in Seoul (Republic of Korea), Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director General of the WTOHe emphasized the critical need for international cooperation. His main message warned of how regulatory fragmentation could undermine innovation and interoperability, essential elements for a secure, development-oriented digital transition.

 

Cooperation in the face of regulatory fragmentation

 

In her speech during the opening plenary session, entitled "Shaping responsible AI together", Paugam He warned against the dangers of adopting isolated approaches. “There is an opportunity—and a need—for cooperation,” the Deputy Director-General stated, urging governments and standards bodies to work together.

 

The aim of this collaboration is to ensure that the systems of Artificial Intelligence (AI) remain reliable and support open trade. Paugam highlighted the value of international standards in promoting consistency across different global regulatory frameworks.

 

Details of the International Summit on AI Standards

 

 

The event brought together senior officials, regulators, industry leaders, and technical experts to explore pathways toward globally compatible AI governance. 

 

The role of the WTO: Transparency and Non-Discrimination

 

Although Jean-Marie Paugam pointed out that the WTO It is not a standards-setting body per se, but emphasized its crucial role as a convener. The organization helps its members ensure that emerging AI-related measures comply with the following principles: Transparency: Clarity in the regulations applied to digital commerce. Nondiscrimination: Fair treatment among the various commercial actors. Coherence: Alignment with existing international standards.

 

Through the Committee on Technical Barriers to TradeWTO members work to encourage the use of relevant international standards as the basis for their regulations, including those that support AI governance frameworks.

 

Parallel agenda and preparation for MC14

 

On the sidelines of the Summit, Paugam delivered a keynote address at a seminar organized by the Korea Testing Laboratory on standards and trade in the age of robotics and AI. He also held a meeting with the Vice Minister of Trade Negotiations of the Republic of Korea to discuss enhanced cooperation in the upcoming 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14).

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the WTO and AI

 

What risks does the WTO see in the current regulation of AI?
The main risk is the fragmentation of regulatory approaches, which can hinder innovation, interoperability, and inclusivity in the digital transition.

 

What is the role of the WTO if it does not create AI standards?
It acts as a facilitator and convener to ensure that national AI measures are transparent, non-discriminatory, and consistent with international standards promoted by bodies such as ISO or IEC.

 

Which organizations arranged the summit in Seoul?
The summit was jointly organized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU).