Electronic Security Service under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan

A successful first Global Dialogue on AI Governance should deliver practical, actionable outcomes rather than just discussions. It should agree on a common baseline of principles that countries can realistically implement. Another key outcome would be establishing ongoing cooperation mechanisms-such as regulator networks, information-sharing on AI risks, and pilot initiatives like sandboxes.

• Transparency, accountability, and human oversight
• Protection and promotion of human rights
• Safe, secure and trustworthy AI

Our priorities are grounded in ensuring strong protection of personal data in AI systems. Safe and trustworthy AI is essential, as AI relies on large-scale personal data processing and requires strong security and safeguards. Transparency, accountability, and human oversight ensure individuals are informed, can exercise their rights, and are not subject to unchecked automated decisions. The protection of human rights, including privacy and data protection, is critical to prevent misuse, discrimination, and unlawful interference. Finally, AI capacity-building is needed to effectively implement data protection requirements, including risk assessments and compliance measures. Overall, these priorities support responsible AI that respects and protects personal data.

While many priorities are reflected in the national AI Strategy, key challenges remain in practical implementation, particularly ensuring compliance with personal data protection (lawful processing, transparency, and safeguards in automated decision-making) and strengthening institutional capacity (e.g., DPIAs and enforcement). Another challenge is the fragmentation of international approaches, which complicates cross-border data flows and compliance for both regulators and organizations. At the same time, there are important opportunities. Advancing trustworthy AI frameworks aligned with data protection principles can strengthen public trust and support innovation. Integrating privacy-by-design and risk-based approaches into AI governance can improve both compliance and overall system quality.

The AI Dialogue can play a key role by promoting alignment and interoperability between national AI governance frameworks, particularly in areas related to personal data protection. It can facilitate information-sharing on risks, best practices, and enforcement approaches, helping reduce fragmentation.It can also support the development of common standards and practical guidance on issues such as transparency, accountability, and risk assessments (e.g., DPIAs). Importantly, the Dialogue can strengthen capacity-building and technical cooperation, enabling countries to effectively implement safeguards.Overall, it can serve as a platform for continuous cooperation, ensuring that AI governance evolves in a coordinated and rights-respecting manner.

The AI Dialogue should build on existing initiatives such as international data protection frameworks, AI ethics principles, and regional regulatory efforts. Connecting with these mechanisms can help avoid duplication and ensure coherence.Its added value would be in creating a global coordination platform that links these initiatives, promotes interoperability, and translates high-level principles into practical implementation tools. It can also facilitate cross-sector and cross-region collaboration, including knowledge-sharing and joint projects.Importantly, the Dialogue can bring stronger focus on operationalizing data protection principles in AI, ensuring that privacy, security, and human rights are effectively embedded in practice

Different stakeholders can contribute to the AI Dialogue by bringing their own perspectives and expertise into the discussion. Governments and regulators can share their experience in shaping policies and enforcing rules. The private sector can explain how AI systems are built and how risks are managed in practice. Academia can provide research-based insights and help assess long-term impacts, while civil society can ensure that human rights and public interests are not overlooked. To make this effective, the Dialogue should be organized around clear themes and include balanced panels where all these groups are represented. In addition, smaller breakout discussions and written inputs can help go deeper into specific issues. Overall, the process should combine both policy and technical discussions and aim to produce clear and practical outcomes, such as recommendations or action points.