The new Artificial Intelligence Governance Laboratory for humanity, based at the United Nations facility in Quart de Poblet, has been officially launched. Its primary objective is to provide insights into this emerging technology, evaluate its potential risks, and establish collaboration and support mechanisms among different countries for its proper implementation.

During the launch event, held at the United Nations' Information and Communication Technology Facility Conference Center, the Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Function, Óscar López, emphasized the significance of this step: "We are here to send a strong message: AI must serve peace and must serve people." López highlighted that the laboratory "represents a new step forward in Spain's commitment to the development of multilateral, ethical, and reliable AI."

The minister recalled several initiatives promoted by the Government of Spain in recent years, including the Charter and Observatory of Digital Rights, the Spanish Agency for Artificial Intelligence Supervision (AESIA), the European AI Regulation, and the recent law for the proper use and governance of AI. "We must all act now if we do not want the governance of AI to become a mere wish," he warned.

For his part, the UN Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Artificial Intelligence, Amandeep Singh Gill, thanked Spain for its leadership and support. He stressed the need for "inclusive and practical international cooperation" so that the governance of technological innovation "keeps pace" with technological advancement. The laboratory, part of the Office of Digital and Emerging Technologies (UNODET), will work on "interoperability" between governments with different jurisdictions and on how researchers, startups, and companies advance the practical implementation of AI.

The laboratory will act as a global coordination body to measure the impact of AI through international governance, risk assessment, and support for the UN's Global Digital Compact. Its headquarters in Quart de Poblet are due, among other reasons, to Spain's leadership in recent global AI governance initiatives and a voluntary contribution of 3 million euros. The Laboratory is directed by Spaniard Ana García Robles.

As part of its planned activities, the so-called Valencia Dialogues will be promoted, holding their first edition on May 28 and 29. These dialogues aim to provide substantive contributions and actionable conclusions, and to build a community that supports the Laboratory's priority issues. This first meeting will bring together around 60 high-level attendees for technical workshops to discuss AI governance matters.