Swiss President Guy Parmelin on Wednesday expressed strong support for India’s efforts to democratize artificial intelligence (AI), endorsing the broader goals of the ongoing AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
In an interview with PTI, Parmelin welcomed the summit’s focus on ensuring that the transformative potential of AI benefits every nation and community. He emphasized that international cooperation is essential to building a fair and inclusive AI ecosystem.
“Switzerland very much welcomes the focus of the AI Impact Summit, which is to work towards making sure that everyone in the world can benefit from the potential of AI, and that no one is left behind,” Parmelin said.
Support for Cross-Border Data Flow
The Swiss president underscored the importance of cross-border data flows to fully harness the advantages of digital technologies such as AI. At the same time, he highlighted the need for clear principles and safeguards to protect national data sovereignty and foster trust among stakeholders.
“International cooperation and the cross-border flow of data are crucial if we want to benefit from the potential that digital technologies like AI offer,” he said. “But we also need a set of principles and rules that respect each other’s sovereignty and create fair conditions for participation.”
Switzerland is likely to host the next edition of the AI summit, further strengthening global collaboration on AI governance, safety, and societal impact.
Concerns Over Labour Markets and AI-Driven Disruptions
Parmelin also addressed concerns about the possible impact of AI on developing economies, particularly regarding labour markets. He noted that when AI significantly reduces production costs in high-wage countries, exports may become so competitively priced that they create pressure on developing nations’ industries.
Such economic shocks, he suggested, can be mitigated through balanced trade policies, clear investigation procedures, and sunset clauses to avoid long-term protectionist measures.
Building a Global AI Governance Framework
Highlighting Switzerland’s proactive approach, Parmelin stated that AI governance requires a multi-layered framework rather than a single regulatory instrument. Switzerland is actively contributing to technical standards and legal instruments, including international recommendations and conventions aimed at promoting responsible AI development.
He referenced collaborative efforts such as the recommendations of UNESCO, the Global Partnership on AI, and the Council of Europe’s framework convention on AI — described as the first binding international treaty on AI developed with participation from 55 countries.
Additionally, Parmelin highlighted Switzerland’s initiative, the “International Computation and AI Network,” designed to pool computing resources for countries and stakeholders with limited technological infrastructure. He also mentioned the Swiss-developed “apertus” language model, trained in over a thousand languages to support culturally diverse AI development.
Strengthening India-Switzerland Relations
Beyond AI cooperation, Parmelin described India-Switzerland relations as “excellent,” pointing to complementary industrial strengths between the two nations. Switzerland exports machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, precision instruments, medical technology, and watches to India, while importing chemicals, textiles, electronics, and other industrial goods.
As the AI Impact Summit continues in New Delhi, Switzerland’s endorsement reinforces the global push toward inclusive, ethical, and collaborative AI development.
