[GAFH 2026] Andy Vermaut “AI Knows No Borders... Responsibility Must Not Stop at Borders”

[Cheonji Ilbo=Reporter Park Jun Sung] The Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity 2026 is being held at the International Conference Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, on June 12. During Session 1, panelist Andy Vermaut delivers a presentation on “Global AI Governance: Building a Cooperative Framework for Human Co-Prosperity.” c천지일보 2026.06.12. [Cheonji Ilbo=Reporter Jeong Da jun] Andy Vermaut, Chairman of the World Council for Public Diplomacy and Community Dialogue (WCPDCC), emphasized the need to establish a global governance framework suited to the age of artificial intelligence (AI) during the Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity 2026 (GAFH 2026), held on June 12 at the International Conference Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul. “AI knows no borders. Therefore, our responsibility cannot stop at borders,” Vermaut said. “In an era where AI connects the entire world, it is difficult to address risks and accountability issues through national regulations alone.” Speaking during Session 1, titled “Global AI Governance: Building a Cooperative Framework for Human Co-Prosperity,” Vermaut argued that the cross-border nature of AI technology requires a corresponding framework of international cooperation. He noted that AI has evolved beyond the domain of individual countries or corporations and now affects virtually every aspect of human society, including democracy, human rights, economic development, and security. “AI may be developed in one country, trained on data from many others, and deployed globally within seconds,” he said. “Yet laws, institutions, and oversight mechanisms remain largely confined within national boundaries.” Vermaut also highlighted growing concerns over the misuse of AI technologies, including deepfakes, disinformation, automated fraud, and algorithmic bias. Stressing the need for coordinated international action, he warned that “a regulatory gap in one country can become a risk for the entire world” and cautioned against a situation in which the lowest regulatory standards effectively become global norms. He further explained that global AI governance does not mean centralized control by a particular nation or institution. Rather, it is a process of creating shared standards and accountability mechanisms. “We need international standards for transparency, accountability, and safety,” he said, adding that both developed and developing countries, as well as wealthy and vulnerable nations, should have a voice in policymaking. [Cheonji Ilbo=Reporter Park Jun Sung] The Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity 2026 is being held at the International Conference Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, on June 12. During Session 1, panelist Andy Vermaut delivers a presentation on “Global AI Governance: Building a Cooperative Framework for Human Co-Prosperity.” c천지일보 2026.06.12. As key principles for effective global AI governance, Vermaut identified legitimacy, enforceability, and equity. He argued that countries of all sizes and levels of development must participate in decision-making processes and that accountability should be ensured through meaningful oversight and auditing systems. He also stressed that the benefits and safety of AI must not be concentrated in a small number of countries or corporations. “Human co-prosperity is not simply about economic growth or technological advancement,” he said. “The true measure of progress in the AI era is whether all humanity can share in safety, dignity, and opportunity.” During the Q&A session, Vermaut was asked how the international community could overcome conflicts of interest between major powers and smaller nations in the process of establishing global governance. He responded that legitimacy can only be achieved when countries of the Global South, civil society organizations, independent journalists, and vulnerable communities are given meaningful participation in decision-making. He also introduced the concept of an AI Risk Observatory, an international mechanism for jointly monitoring AI-related risks. The proposed body would include journalists and representatives from developing countries, enabling them to contribute to risk assessment and policy development. “Only wealthy nations should not be writing the rules while others bear the consequences,” he said, emphasizing the need for infrastructure support, financial assistance, and the sharing of expertise with countries that lack technological capacity. [Cheonji Ilbo=Reporter Park Jun Sung] The Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity 2026 is being held at the International Conference Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, on June 12. During Session 1, panelist Andy Vermaut delivers a presentation on “Global AI Governance: Building a Cooperative Framework for Human Co-Prosperity.” c천지일보 2026.06.12. As an immediate follow-up action after the forum, Vermaut proposed the creation of an international working group. “We need a practical roadmap that goes beyond declarations and includes responsibilities, timelines, and implementation measures,” he said. “Governments, international organizations, industry, civil society, and the media should all participate in this cooperative framework.” He also identified media literacy and AI literacy as essential competencies in the AI era. “As deepfakes and disinformation spread rapidly, it is critical for citizens to develop the ability to recognize and assess them,” he said. “Technological progress and governance must advance together.” “We cannot accept a future without responsibility, nor one in which human dignity becomes negotiable,” Vermaut concluded. “The international community must choose cooperation over fragmentation and responsibility over delay.” The forum was held under the theme “Trustworthy AI for Human Co-Prosperity” and served as a platform for international discussions on balancing technological advancement with human-centered values.