Main Insight
A leadership transition, an Athens Roundtable report, and a few more big announcements!
Springtime Updates
April 17, 2024
Leadership transition announcement
After an extensive search for The Future Society’s next Executive Director, the Board of Directors selected Nicolas Moës, former Director of EU AI Governance, to fill the role. Nicolas brings with him 5 years of senior management within the organization, including having led the organization’s research and advocacy toward the EU AI Act and Codes of Conduct for developers of general-purpose AI models. Nicolas is also involved in AI standardization and policymaking efforts as a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) SC42 and CEN-CENELEC JTC 21 committees on AI, as well as the OECD.AI Policy Observatory within the AI Incidents and Risk & Accountability Expert Groups. He holds a Master’s degree (M.Phil.) in Economics from the University of Oxford.
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the leadership of The Future Society, and grateful to the Board, the team, and Nicolas Miailhe for their confidence and enthusiasm at this prospect. At a time where, for better or worse, AI makes the news on an almost daily basis, there could be no better role for someone as committed as I am to the proper governance of this technology. With developers more or less accidentally redefining many aspects of our social contract and fundamental rights, AI will be a defining technology of our age. The decisions we make toward governing AI will determine whether it strengthens or weakens society, communities, and individuals, and I look forward to navigating these important debates at the helm of TFS.”
Towards Effective Governance of Foundation Models and Generative AI
Fresh off the press! We recently published “Towards Effective Governance of Foundation Models and Generative AI,” a report encapsulating insights and recommendations from panels, fireside chats, and roundtable discussions at the fifth edition of The Athens Roundtable on AI and the Rule of Law.
Last year marked a year in which AI governance climbed the agenda of policymakers and decision-makers worldwide. The release of AI systems with increasingly general capabilities has generated intrigue and hype, and accelerated a concentration of power in big tech, triggering a societal-scale wake-up call.
The fifth edition of The Athens Roundtable on AI and the Rule of Law sought to navigate this uncharted territory, focusing on governance challenges presented by foundation models and generative AI across legal jurisdictions.
The fifth edition of The Athens Roundtable convened over 1,150 in-person and virtual attendees in a two-day event, with near-equal representation from academia, industry, civil society, and the public sector, reflecting our commitment to fostering rich, multi-stakeholder dialogues.
TFS feedback reflected in historic UN General Assembly resolution on AI
Earlier this year, we provided feedback on a draft UN General Assembly resolution on AI. In March, an updated resolution that reflected our feedback, co-sponsored by more than 120 Member States, was adopted by consensus.
Launch event for the Journal of AI Law and Regulation (AIRe)
On April 11th, TFS partnered with Lexxion Publisher to launch The Journal of AI Law and Regulation (AIRe), covering key legislative developments in AI governance and providing an impartial platform for discussing the role of law and regulation in managing the challenges and opportunities of AI’s impact on society.
Contribution to Safety and Global Governance of Generative Al Report
TFS members contributed an article to the Safety and Global Governance of Generative Al Report, proposing ten principles for institutional design in AI governance.
TFS joins U.S. NIST AI Safety Institute Consortium
TFS is collaborating with the NIST in the AI Safety Institute Consortium to establish a new measurement science that will enable the identification of proven, scalable, and interoperable measurements and methodologies to promote development of trustworthy AI and its responsible use.
We’re hiring…
Director, US AI Governance – We’re looking for a highly-motivated individual with experience developing, advocating for, and implementing artificial intelligence governance mechanisms—ranging from laws and regulations to standards or industry practices—to develop and oversee a theme of work focused on AI governance in the US.
Senior Associate, AI Governance – This role involves monitoring the US and global AI governance landscapes, designing high-impact policy recommendations, and mobilizing communities of stakeholders to advocate for them.
Fresh faces 🤗
Adeline and Eloise recently joined. With a wealth of experience in HR, grant management, and finance, they’re taking our ops team to new heights 🚀
Every dollar counts.
The Future Society is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Philanthropy is what makes our work possible. Here’s just one reason to donate to us:
We are independent. As an independent organization not beholden to companies or governments, we are uniquely well-positioned to work toward AI governance that serves the public interest. We aim to bring impartial analysis and judgment to governance discussions without profit motives or political pressures distorting our work. Our non-affiliated status enables us to function as a neutral convener and collaborator with external stakeholders, including companies, policymakers, and other actors working towards responsible stewardship of AI.
If that reason wasn’t convincing enough, here are 9 more.
