Civil society submission calls for rights-based approach in global AI governance dialogue
A submission to the Global Dialogue on AI Governance urges a broader, rights-focused approach, linking AI development to social justice, sustainability, and global equity.
The Global Digital Justice Forum has submitted recommendations to an informal stakeholder consultation on the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, outlining how the initiative should be structured and what issues it should address.
The submission argues that the Dialogue should go beyond technical discussions and focus on the broader societal impact of artificial intelligence. It calls for a ‘whole-of-lifecycle’ approach, meaning that AI systems should be assessed not only at the point of use, but also during their design, development, and deployment.
According to the proposal, the Dialogue should help define the conditions under which AI systems are compatible with human rights, social justice, and environmental sustainability. This includes examining how AI production and supply chains may contribute to inequality or harm.
The submission also highlights the need to connect AI governance with data governance. It notes that decisions about data, such as how it is collected and used, are closely linked to how AI systems function, and should therefore be addressed together at the international level.
Another key recommendation is to base discussions on evidence about how AI is currently being developed and used globally. This includes assessing its full value chain and aligning governance efforts with existing international goals, such as the UN sustainable development goals.
The document suggests that the Dialogue should combine general discussions on cross-cutting issues, such as ethics and regulation, with more specific exchanges focused on sectors including healthcare, education, labour, and climate.
To ensure broader participation, the submission proposes that global meetings be preceded by regional and multistakeholder consultations, including both in-person and virtual formats. It also recommends establishing a structure similar to the Internet Governance Forum, with a multistakeholder advisory group to guide the process.
The submission is part of ongoing preparations for the Global Dialogue, with meetings planned in Geneva in 2026 and New York in 2027.
