By Dr Sung Hwan Cho,
ISO President
LinkedIn
The Seoul Statement on Artificial Intelligence marks a pivotal moment in the global governance of this rapidly evolving technology. ISO, IEC and ITU – the world’s three leading international standards organizations – have articulated a shared framework for a future with AI that is open, inclusive, sustainable, fair, safe and secure.
It is not simply a declaration of values. It represents a collective commitment to ensure that the technological systems reshaping our societies are developed and deployed in ways that strengthen global resilience and advance human wellbeing – particularly as the world confronts challenges such as AI bias, misuse, disinformation, misinformation, opaque algorithms and other emerging risks that no country can manage alone.
When I began my term as ISO President in January 2024, I emphasized the need to strengthen ISO’s position in meeting the demands of an increasingly changing world, from the intensifying impacts of climate change to the accelerating development of AI. These challenges are complex, interconnected and global.
At that time, the publication of the first international AI management system standard – ISO/IEC 42001 – signalled more than technical progress. It catalysed a necessary global dialogue on how humanity should shape the technologies that increasingly shape our lives.
Two years later, that dialogue has become more urgent, and more consequential than ever, as societies grapple with unreliable outputs, deepfakes, security vulnerabilities and the uneven distribution of AI benefits and threats.
Shaping technology for positive societal impact
AI is transforming economies, industries and communities. Yet its benefits will only be realized if trust, transparency and accountability are embedded into the systems that govern it. This is where standards play an essential role.
International Standards provide clarity and coherence in an era of profound complexity. They help ensure that innovation aligns with societal needs and values; that technologies are safe and interoperable; and that countries can coordinate without compromising diversity. Standards are the mechanisms that make global cooperation possible at scale.
However, delivering standards for the world of tomorrow demands new capabilities. Digital tools must accelerate collaboration. Participation must widen to include regions and communities that have historically been underrepresented in the development process.
The Seoul Statement represents not an endpoint, but the beginning of a new phase of global cooperation.
Partnerships as the foundation for progress
Throughout my presidency, partnership has been a defining priority. Effective governance of AI cannot be achieved by any one organization, sector or region. It requires a global multistakeholder approach – one capable of confronting issues such as cross-border data governance, fragmented regulations, growing cybersecurity threats and the misuse of generative tools to spread misinformation.
This year’s International AI Standards Summit in Seoul underscored the power of collaboration. Nearly three hundred leaders from government, industry, civil society and academia convened to align on challenges, share insights and identify pathways for responsible AI development.
The Seoul Statement builds directly on this spirit of cooperation and commits our organizations to four key actions:
- Embedding socio-technical considerations across standards development
- Strengthening the connection between human rights and technology
- Expanding global multistakeholder participation
- Deepening public-private collaboration to build shared capacity
These commitments form a practical roadmap for a more inclusive and trusted digital future.
Lessons for the path ahead
As I reflect on my time as ISO President, several lessons stand out – lessons that will shape the direction of global AI governance in the years to come.
First, global coordination is essential. AI’s impacts cross borders, sectors and disciplines. Only through International Standards can the world achieve alignment and interoperability.
Second, inclusion drives resilience. AI systems must reflect the diversity of the societies they serve. Broad participation leads to stronger, more applicable and more legitimate outcomes, reducing the risk of biased systems and uneven global adoption.
Third, human rights must be foundational. Technological progress must advance dignity, fairness and privacy. These principles are not optional; they are the bedrock of trustworthy AI, particularly as systems become more autonomous and influential.
Delivering on these three lessons, and strengthening our digital agility, requires turning principles into concrete action. This includes harmonizing standards work across the global ecosystem, expanding capacity building so all countries can participate meaningfully, and using modern digital tools to accelerate collaboration and keep pace with innovation. These practical steps will be essential for ensuring that international cooperation meets the scale and speed of the challenges ahead.
A collective responsibility
Our shared objective is clear: to ensure that AI enhances human potential, expands opportunity and supports more inclusive and sustainable societies.
As I prepare to pass the leadership baton, I do so with confidence in the systems and partnerships we have built together. The Seoul Statement represents not an endpoint, but the beginning of a new phase of global cooperation – one grounded in responsibility, digital readiness and shared purpose.
The challenges ahead are complex, but the opportunity before us is profound. If we remain guided by human values, committed to multistakeholder collaboration and united in our vision for a better future, we can steer the AI transformation toward outcomes that benefit all.
Now is the moment to act – together.