Latvia Leads Global Discussion on AI and Information Integrity at WSIS+20 Summit in Geneva
GENEVA, Switzerland – Latvia took center stage at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) in Geneva on July 8, 2025, spearheading a critical discussion on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for information integrity. The high-level panel discussion, titled “What Proliferation of Artificial Intelligence Means for Information Integrity?”, served as a platform for international experts and policymakers to grapple with the complex challenges posed by AI’s rapid advancement and its potential for misuse in manipulating information. The event underscored Latvia’s commitment to addressing disinformation and promoting responsible AI development, aligning with its broader diplomatic goals as a newly elected member of the UN Security Council.
The panel, organized as part of Latvia’s public diplomacy initiatives, attracted a diverse audience of over 80 participants, including representatives from governments, civil society organizations, and the tech sector. The hybrid format allowed for both in-person and virtual attendance, maximizing global reach and engagement. The discussions centered on the urgent need for innovative solutions to safeguard information integrity in the digital age, while simultaneously upholding fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of expression. Latvia showcased its own progress in combating disinformation and highlighted its growing expertise in AI technologies. A key theme emerging from the conversations was the importance of investing in digital literacy, enhancing corporate accountability within the tech industry, and fostering public understanding of AI tools and their potential impact.
Ivars Pundurs, Latvia’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, opened the proceedings, setting the stage for a robust exchange of ideas. Viktors Makarovs, Special Envoy on Digital Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, moderated the panel, emphasizing Latvia’s strategic position as a global leader in the fight against disinformation. He reiterated the nation’s willingness to share its knowledge and expertise with the international community, particularly within the context of the UN Security Council. The panel featured prominent voices in the field, including Septiaji Eko Nugroho, President of Indonesia’s MAFINDO; Peggy Hicks, Director of Thematic Engagement at the UN Human Rights Office; Graham Brookie, Vice President at the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab); and Professor Žaneta Ozoliņa, who leads the “AI4Debunk” project at the University of Latvia. These experts brought a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the discussion, enriching the discourse and contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges at hand.
Beyond the panel discussion, Makarovs engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with key figures in the digital rights and governance landscape. He met with Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, and Peter Major, Chair of the UN Working Group on Data Governance, to discuss crucial issues surrounding freedom of expression in the digital age, data governance frameworks, and the broader human rights implications of AI. These discussions underscored the crucial intersection of technological advancement and fundamental human rights, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and robust legal frameworks to mitigate potential risks and ensure responsible AI development and deployment.
Makarovs further extended his engagement by participating in a roundtable on AI governance at the AI for Good Summit, a platform that brings together leaders from across various sectors to explore how AI can contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This participation highlights Latvia’s multifaceted approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, recognizing its potential to contribute to both positive social impact and potential threats to information integrity. The roundtable emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in shaping AI governance and ensuring its alignment with ethical principles and societal well-being.
Latvia’s active participation in the WSIS+20 Summit and related events reflects its commitment to fostering international dialogue and cooperation on crucial 21st-century challenges. The nation’s focus on cybersecurity, AI governance, and the fight against disinformation aligns with its broader agenda as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2026-2027 term. Latvia aims to leverage its position on the Security Council to strengthen the international order through multilateral diplomacy, promoting national and regional security in an increasingly complex digital landscape. The WSIS+20 process, culminating in the UN General Assembly in December 2025, provides a crucial platform for addressing global challenges related to information and communication technologies (ICTs). Latvia’s contributions to this process underscore its proactive approach to shaping the future of digital governance and ensuring a more secure and equitable digital future for all.