International organisations setting standards for AI in travel

Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents significant opportunities and challenges on a global scale. As technology for AI in travel rapidly evolves, international organisations are increasingly involved in coordinating its governance. Four major entities – the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the G7, and the G20 – play pivotal roles in shaping policies for AI in tourism and ensuring its responsible use.

United Nations (UN)

The UN is central to global AI governance, particularly through its efforts to promote ethical and inclusive AI development. Key UN initiatives in AI governance include:  

• ‍Interagency Working Group on AI: Established to create frameworks for safe and ethical AI in tourism use, promoting AI's role in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ‍
• UN Security Council and General Assembly Involvement: In 2023, the UN Security Council held its first debate on AI's potential risks to global peace, focusing on issues such as autonomous weaponry and AI-assisted misinformation. In 2024, the General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for safe AI practices aligned with human rights.
• ‍High-Level Advisory Board on AI: Formed to recommend international AI governance structure, potentially including a dedicated AI entity under the UN. This advisory board emphasises five principles: inclusivity, public interest, adaptive collaboration, and anchoring AI governance in the UN Charter and international human rights.

The UN’s initiatives are foundational to promoting global AI standards rooted in ethical practices, transparency, and accountability. These efforts demonstrate the UN's commitment to ensuring AI supports social and economic development across member nations.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

The OECD, with its 38 member countries, provides significant guidance for AI governance:

• ‍OECD AI Principles: Introduced in 2019 as the first intergovernmental AI standards, these principles guide public policy on transparency, accountability, and AI safety, later adopted by the G20 as their own AI principles. ‍
• AI Policy Observatory: This platform enables global knowledge-sharing on AI policies and regulations, fostering trust and encouraging best practices. ‍
• AI Incident Monitor: Tracks AI-related incidents to understand and address risks associated with AI technologies, helping policymakers stay informed about potential challenges.

The OECD’s initiatives facilitate a coordinated approach to AI governance, bridging international collaboration and fostering an environment where AI can be developed responsibly, supporting interoperability and shared global standards.

G20

The G20, comprising the world’s major economies, contributes to AI governance by promoting a balanced approach to regulation:

• ‍G20 AI Principles: Based on the OECD AI Principles, the G20 AI Principles endorse transparency, safety, and accountability. These guidelines help countries manage AI's risks while encouraging innovation. ‍
• Pro-Innovation Regulatory Approach: G20 members emphasise regulatory flexibility to maximise AI benefits, balancing economic growth with risk mitigation. ‍
• Support for SDGs: The G20 reinforces the importance of AI in achieving the SDGs, particularly for sustainable economic growth, improved healthcare, and climate action.

Under rotating presidencies, the G20 has prioritised AI development, with Brazil's 2024 presidency focusing on “AI for Sustainable Development & Reduction of Inequality.”  

G7

The G7 countries, consisting of advanced economies, focus on AI governance that aligns with democratic values:

• ‍Hiroshima AI Process: Launched in 2023, this initiative includes international guiding principles and a Code of Conduct for companies developing advanced AI systems. These guidelines emphasise risk management, transparency, and responsible data handling. ‍
• Commitment to international collaboration: The G7 encourages partnerships with organisations such as the UN, OECD, and G20 to develop and promote global AI standards. The G7's 2024 programme includes AI as a key priority under Italy’s presidency.  ‍
• AI in public services: The G7 promotes responsible AI adoption within the public sector, supporting transparency and ethical standards in areas such as healthcare and public administration.

Through the Hiroshima AI Process and its ongoing collaboration with other multilateral bodies, the G7 is setting a standard for trustworthy AI, focusing on privacy, accountability, and the mitigation of societal risks.

The collaborative efforts of the UN, OECD, G20, and G7 are essential to the global governance of AI. As AI technologies continue to evolve, these organisations are at the forefront of establishing ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI policies. Their work is not only pivotal to managing AI risks but also to harnessing its transformative potential for global good.

This article is based on the WTTC report "Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations”, published April 2024