At a time when AI systems are becoming increasingly powerful and deeply embedded in societies, meaningful participation in AI governance work is not optional; it is essential. This is why over 45 civil society organisations, academics and experts call for strong representation of civil society and academia in the International Telecommunication Union's new AI for Good Global Commission in a joint open letter.
Many global discussions on digital governance are already perceived as increasingly top-down and undemocratic. While governments and industry are indispensable participants, AI governance cannot be shaped solely by state and corporate perspectives. Governance frameworks must be informed by those whose work centers on protecting the public interest, promoting inclusion, and ensuring accountability. Without those perspectives, AI governance risks becoming less responsive, less trusted, less accountable, and ultimately less effective.
The ITU has earned global respect for its role in preserving the multistakeholder spirit that emerged from the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). The establishment of the AI for Good Global Commission offers an opportunity to demonstrate that international AI governance can remain faithful to the multistakeholder principles that have guided Internet governance for more than twenty years.