A Ginevra la Ministerial Roundtable del WSIS Forum 2026
L’uso dell’intelligenza artificiale non è mai una questione puramente tecnica
Momento distintivo del WSIS Forum 2026, organizzato dall’Unione Internazionale delle Telecomunicazioni (ITU), è la Ministerial Roundtable, cioè il suo High Level Track, che vede riuniti ministri, regolatori, amministratori delegati, rappresentanti della società civile, sindaci, ambasciatori e capi delle agenzie delle Nazioni Unite. Si è svolta, giovedì mattina, 9 luglio, nel Palexpo di Ginevra.
I lavori sono stati aperti dalla Segretaria generale dell'ITU, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, nell’ambito del dialogo ministeriale dedicato alla cooperazione digitale internazionale, con un’attenzione particolare ai temi della governance dell’intelligenza artificiale, tra le priorità individuate dal Global Digital Compact.
Le tavole rotonde ministeriali offrono agli Stati membri l’opportunità di articolare le priorità digitali nazionali, scambiare esperienze e individuare aree di azione collettiva, rafforzando il ruolo del Forum come collegamento tra gli impegni a livello politico e l’attuazione operativa.
Di seguito pubblichiamo il discorso del Presidente del Governatorato:
Statement of the Vatican City State on the I.T.U. WSIS Forum 2026
Ministerial Roundtable
Topic 1: “AI Strategy and Policy”
Geneva, 6-10 July 2026
As AI increasingly transcends national borders, how can countries strengthen cooperation and share experiences, and how can the United Nations help facilitate this collaboration for the benefit of all?
Mr. Chairman, Excellencies,
The Vatican City State Delegation would like to thank the International Telecommunication Union for convening this annual WSIS Forum 2026, and is pleased to take the floor in this Ministerial Roundtable.
The increasing potential of digital technologies could be a valuable asset in enhancing cooperation, fostering communication, and facilitating the exchange of information among countries and peoples. Furthermore, advances in AI, cognitive science, nanotechnology, robotics and biotechnology can contribute to integral human development and the stewardship of God’s creation.
However, as with any scientific development, technological progress, needs to be inspired by authentic moral and social values. As recalled by Pope Leo XIV, it requires “careful discernment of the anthropological vision that guides it and the ends it pursues”[1]. In this sense, an ethical framework is necessary to ensure that AI facilitates international cooperation effectively, advances the common good and preserves the human dignity of every person.
The use of AI is never a purely technical matter; it has a profound impact on people’s lives. As Pope Leo XIV underlined in his recent Encyclical Letter Magnifica Humanitas, “responsibility must be clearly defined at every stage: from those who design and develop these systems to those who use them and rely on them for concrete decisions”[2]. International cooperation is needed to achieve this. Moreover, it is important to implement norms that enable the identification of those who will be held accountable for the decisions made. Finally, data ownership must be appropriately regulated.
Mr. Chairman,
This Delegation is convinced that solid legal frameworks are needed to guarantee independent oversight and adequate information for users. To this respect, political will is necessary in order to foster actions and involve communities and intermediary organizations so that they may also bring their own expertise. However, prudence and rigorous evaluation may require a slower pace when adopting AI. This does not mean opposing progress; rather, it is an exercise in responsible care for the human family[3].
The Vatican Delegation believes that ongoing international dialogue among countries is essential, in order to ensure that the use of AI – especially with regard to public goods and fundamental human rights and dignity – is guided by clear criteria and effective oversight, grounded in shared participation and respect of subsidiarity.
Thank you.
[1] Leo XIV, Magnifica Humanitas, 94.
[2] Ivi, 105.
[3] Cfr. ivi, 106.
