Britain is set to host a groundbreaking international summit on artificial intelligence (AI) later this year, aiming to foster collaboration among nations in managing the risks associated with AI while harnessing its immense potential. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced this initiative on Wednesday (7 June) in Washington, ahead of his meeting with US President Joe Biden. The summit, scheduled for the autumn, will bring together "like-minded countries" to establish a regulatory framework in response to the evolving landscape of AI, as called for by the G7 last month.

Contrary to speculation that the summit might serve as a countermeasure against countries like China and Russia, which exploit AI for authoritarian purposes, Sunak's spokesperson denied such intentions. However, while Britain seeks to become a hub for AI regulation in the post-Brexit era, the United States and the European Union have already embarked on direct dialogues regarding this transformative technology.

Addressing concerns that the UK might be sidelined in the field of AI, Sunak expressed confidence in his country's leadership potential, citing the number of AI companies, investment levels, and the quality of research. He emphasized that, apart from the United States, no other democratic nation possesses comparable AI capabilities.

Despite the significant age difference between Sunak, 43, and President Biden, 80, the British Prime Minister dismissed suggestions that Biden is detached from AI. This assertion comes after a UK advisor warned of potential catastrophic consequences within two years due to AI. Sunak stated that he had discussed AI with President Biden during their participation at the G7 summit in Japan, affirming the President's awareness of both the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.