Vientiane: Government officials from the education, technology, telecommunications, public security, and media sectors, alongside representatives of private companies gathered in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on Monday for a Responsible AI Workshop, aimed at fostering the knowledge and tools needed for the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI).

According to Lao News Agency, participants were introduced to the AI Management Systems Standard (ISO/IEC 42001), the first international standard for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS). The workshop highlighted how this framework helps organizations navigate AI’s risks and opportunities while ensuring responsible deployment.

In her opening remarks, Benita Summerville, Charg© d’Affaires of the Australian Embassy in Vientiane, emphasized the role of international standards in mitigating AI risks. She noted the benefits of adopting AI, such as more efficient and accurate programs, improved data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making, which can enhance service delivery for people and businesses. However, she warned about the risks without appropriate governance mechanisms, including threats to data privacy, security, social bias, and the potential for misuse and spread of misinformation.

ISO/IEC 42001, developed by experts from over 50 countries, addresses AI’s unique challenges, such as ethical considerations, transparency, and continuous learning. It provides a structured approach for organizations of all sizes and sectors to balance innovation with accountability. Claire McFarland, Senior Manager for International, Advisory, and Project Delivery at Standards Australia, described the standard as offering a universal framework for adopting, deploying, and developing AI responsibly.

McFarland further explained that ISO/IEC 42001 is the world’s first AI management system standard, offering valuable guidance for this rapidly evolving field of technology. It sets out a structured way for organizations to manage risks and opportunities associated with AI, ensuring a balance between innovation and governance. The AIMSS provides guidance on establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an AI management system, applicable to organizations of all sizes that provide or use AI-based products or services.