On World Standards Day 2024, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced the highly anticipated 2025 International AI Standards Summit.

The event, which will be held from December 2 to 3, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea, will focus on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance through global standards such as ISO 42001 AI Management System.

The announcement was made during the Fifth Global Standards Symposium in New Delhi, which emphasised the critical need for responsible and inclusive AI.

The summit directly responds to the United Nations’ Global Digital Compact, which calls for enhanced AI governance to ensure AI technologies are safe, reliable, and uphold human rights.

Why 2025 International AI Standards Summit Matters

The push for AI standards is crucial as AI continues revolutionising industries worldwide. AI’s immense potential could be unevenly distributed or even harmful without effective governance.

This summit will unite experts, policymakers, and industries to create globally recognised standards that promote safe, transparent, and responsible AI development.

ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica highlighted that international standards are essential for ensuring AI is developed responsibly and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. “By coordinating AI standards, we can foster trust, safety, and inclusivity in AI systems worldwide,” Mujica stated.

The summit is also a joint effort by IEC Secretary-General Philippe Metzger and ITU Director Seizo Onoe, reinforcing the commitment of these global organisations to guide AI innovation while addressing challenges like interoperability, transparency, and sustainability.

Benefits to Businesses and Compliance Professionals

The upcoming 2025 International AI Standards Summit will offer clear and actionable frameworks for AI governance, providing immense value to companies and compliance experts.

As AI technologies become more deeply integrated into business operations, there’s a growing need for standardisation that ensures compliance and promotes innovation and growth.

Simplified Regulatory Compliance Across Borders

One of the biggest challenges with AI adoption for businesses operating globally is adhering to a maze of local regulations that differ by region.

The summit aims to set universal AI standards, which will help streamline compliance efforts across various jurisdictions.

This unified framework means companies can adopt AI solutions with greater confidence, knowing they meet global standards without constantly adapting to specific national laws.

Compliance professionals such as ISO 9001 consultants will particularly benefit from these international standards, as they reduce the complexity of ensuring adherence to multiple legal frameworks.

A unified global approach will allow compliance teams to focus on sustainable AI strategies rather than chasing ever-changing local requirements.

Fostering Innovation with Confidence

For companies looking to innovate with AI, the absence of clear standards can be a barrier to experimentation. Concerns around potential regulatory violations or ethical missteps can stifle creativity and delay the rollout of cutting-edge AI solutions.

The global AI standards developed at this summit will serve as a guiding framework, helping businesses progress with their AI initiatives while staying within responsible and safe boundaries.

By understanding the established standards, companies can pursue AI-driven innovation with a clearer view of compliance and ethical guidelines, allowing them to unlock AI’s full potential while mitigating risks.

Strengthened Consumer and Partner Trust

Adhering to internationally recognised AI standards will demonstrate a company’s commitment to responsible and ethical AI use. This can enhance trust with customers, partners, and investors, especially as public scrutiny on AI ethics intensifies.

Businesses that align with these standards are better positioned to differentiate themselves in the market, as consumers increasingly prioritise ethical practices in the companies they support.

For compliance experts, this is a powerful tool to ensure that their organisation is compliant and proactively addressing stakeholder concerns. Companies can showcase compliance with global AI standards as a competitive advantage, fostering long-term customer loyalty.

Reducing Legal and Ethical Risks

AI comes with various potential risks, from biased algorithms to data privacy violations. The 2025 summit will focus on setting standards that address these issues, providing companies with a solid foundation for developing AI systems that are transparent, accountable, and fair.

Compliance teams can use these standards to ensure that their company’s AI technologies don’t inadvertently cross ethical or legal lines.

This reduces the chance of costly legal repercussions or reputational damage associated with poorly governed AI systems. By adhering to globally recognised standards, companies can focus on mitigating risks early in development.

Future-Proofing AI Strategies

As AI technologies evolve, so too will the standards governing them. The 2025 AI Standards Summit is expected to offer forward-thinking frameworks that will help businesses prepare for the future of AI governance.

By aligning with these emerging standards, companies and compliance experts can ensure that their systems adapt to future regulatory changes.

Compliance teams will be able to stay ahead of new requirements, helping their companies maintain compliance as technologies and regulations shift. This proactive approach ensures that businesses are compliant today and well-positioned to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s AI landscape.

Looking Forward:

As AI rapidly reshapes the world, the 2025 summit will provide a platform for stakeholders to ensure that future technologies align with global standards that promote safety and sustainability. This event could mark a pivotal moment in the governance of AI, creating a foundation for a more secure and equitable digital future.