Building blocks for AI in parliament

Context

With good governance and an awareness of the strategic potential of AI, parliaments are better placed to understand where the technology can be deployed effectively and how to manage and mitigate the associated risks. As AI becomes increasingly central to the modernization of parliaments, it is important to take a strategic view, to understand where maximum value can be achieved, and to establish robust regulations and frameworks to ensure safe use, accountability and transparency. AI can add value for parliamentarians, support the legislative process, handle back-office functions with greater efficiency and enhance public engagement. Knowing where to focus limited time and resources – and understanding the bigger picture – gives parliaments confidence in their AI investment and reduces risks.

Description

This session will explore the building blocks for AI adoption, such as strategy, data governance and AI literacy, helping participants understand their own parliament’s AI maturity. The session will draw on the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) Guidelines for AI in parliaments and Maturity Framework for AI in Parliaments, as well as on real-world examples from a range of parliaments. Given that there are many ways to approach AI, participants will learn about the resources available to help them design their own journey with confidence. They will also develop a set of questions to consider on returning to their own parliaments.

Organization

14:30 – 16.00: Building blocks for AI in parliament

• Scene-setting: How is digital transformation impacted in the era of AI?

• Round table

• Group work

16:00 – 16:30: Coffee break

16:30 – 18.00: What next for your parliament?

• Introduction to key resources, including the IPU’s Maturity Framework for AI in Parliaments

• Group work: Action planning for your parliament

• Discussion of results, reflections and conclusions