Lukas Muha, chairperson of the National Council, emphasized the necessity for stringent regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) to protect democratic values and serve public interests. His remarks were made during a workshop titled “AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation” at the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi, India.
Muha articulated that AI is fundamentally transforming societies, which necessitates thoughtful legislative action. “As legislators, we bear the constitutional responsibility to ensure that innovation serves the public good, upholds human dignity, and reinforces democratic values,” he stated, highlighting the critical role of parliaments in shaping responsible AI governance.
He framed the CSPOC engagement as part of a wider strategy to regulate AI, particularly where it may pose risks to societal welfare. According to Muha, it is imperative for parliaments to establish inclusive legislative frameworks that facilitate the responsible use of AI technologies.
Complementing Muha’s comments, Phillipus Katamelo, deputy speaker of the National Assembly, underscored the importance of accountability in AI deployment. “Where there is power, there must also be accountability. You cannot allow systems to exercise power without putting safeguards in place,” he remarked.
Katamelo conveyed that while national legislatures are developing laws concerning AI, the inherently global nature of technology complicates effective regulation in isolation. He called for more robust international collaboration, urging the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to reassess its mandate to include ethical responsibility and accountability in its scope.
The conference serves as a platform for speakers and presiding officers from Commonwealth nations to deliberate on issues impacting parliamentary democracy and governance. The Namibian delegation participated in traditional welcoming ceremonies at Naubat Khana (Red Fort) in Delhi and observed a performance reflecting Indian history, fostering cultural exchange among delegates.
During a meeting of the CSPOC standing committee, Muha proposed that the CSPOC consider inviting the chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association as a permanent member of the committee, recognizing the CPA’s significant contributions within the Commonwealth parliamentary framework.
The event was officially inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who underscored the importance of legislative dialogue in addressing contemporary challenges, including the rapid evolution of AI.
The discussions at the conference are indicative of a growing recognition among lawmakers of the need to navigate the complexities introduced by emerging technologies. As AI continues to evolve, the stakes for maintaining democratic values and public accountability are higher than ever.
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