AI Action Summit Conference
Paris, February 10-11, 2025
Session: Government 24/7: How AI Might Best Transform Governance
Yasuhide NAKAYAMA,
Former State Minister of Defense, Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Former State Minister for the Cabinet Office of JAPAN
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished leaders, policymakers, and innovators,
It is a great honor to speak at this important summit. First, I sincerely regret that I cannot be with you in Paris today.
As the representative of BGF in Japan and Taiwan, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Audrey Tang for receiving this prestigious award.
Originally, I had planned to attend this summit alongside Sanae Takaichi, but unfortunately, I could not adjust my schedule as I had hoped. Instead, I am joining remotely from Japan.
This moment brings back special memories for me. From 1986 to 1989, I lived in Alsace, France, during my high school years. Those three years shaped my worldview and gave me a deep appreciation for France—its culture, its people, and, of course, its fantastic wine.
So, while I am honored to join you virtually, I must admit—I truly wish I were in France, enjoying a fine glass of Alsace wine with you!
AI: A Necessity for Modern Governance
Now, let me turn to today’s main topic: AI-driven governance that operates 24/7.
AI is transforming every aspect of our societies—politics, the economy, and security. But AI is not just a tool. It is a force that is reshaping the global balance of power.
The 20th-century Cold War has evolved into a 21st-century struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. And AI is at the center of this competition.
But let’s be clear: No side is guaranteed victory forever.
Like a Hollywood movie, the day may come when AI surpasses human intelligence, creating technologies beyond our imagination—autonomous weapons, ultra-intelligent computers, and self-evolving algorithms.
What if AI starts making decisions without human control? What if it turns against us?
If that day comes, we can only hope for a Hollywood-style happy ending.
But instead of relying on hope, we must act now to prevent this scenario.
That is why governments, businesses, engineers, and civil society must work together to create clear, ethical, and enforceable AI regulations.
Three Key Priorities for AI Governance
To ensure that AI serves humanity—and does not control it—I propose three essential commitments:
1️⃣ AI for National and Cybersecurity AI enhances crisis response but can also be weaponized. International cooperation is essential to prevent AI-driven cyber warfare and ensure security.
2️⃣ Human-Centric AI Governance AI should support decision-making, not replace it. Policies must protect privacy, uphold democratic values, and prioritize human dignity.
3️⃣ Global Collaboration on AI Ethics and Standards No country can govern AI alone. We need a global AI governance alliance to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical development.
AI Governance: A Shared Responsibility
In Japan, AI is a growing topic of interest. I have received many invitations to arrange lectures by AI experts. However, there is a shortage of recognized specialists, and many people are unsure who truly qualifies as an expert.
I recently read an interview with an AI engineer who said:
“When AI-powered military weapons are activated, it is not the role of scientists to decide how they are used.”
This statement highlights an important truth:
AI governance is not just for engineers or scientists. It is a responsibility for all of society.
Ethical considerations, risk assessment, and governance structures must be put in place with a sense of urgency. And these rules must evolve alongside AI technology.
A Call to Action
Now is the time for humanity to shape the rules that will govern AI.
We must act swiftly to ensure safety, seek broad international consensus, and prevent AI from spiraling out of control.
If we hesitate, we risk losing control of our own future.
Let us work together to build secure, ethical, and human-centered AI governance.
The future of AI-driven government depends on the choices we make today.
Thank you.
Yasuhide NAKAYAMA
Former State Minister of Defense, Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Former State Minister for the Cabinet Office of JAPAN
Paris, February 11, 2025
