Voice and Access in AI: Global AI Majority Participation in Artificial Intelligence Development and Governance
This piece was originally published by the Oxford Martin School.
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (Al) is rapidly emerging as one of the most transformative technologies in human history, with the potential to profoundly impact all aspects of society globally. However, access to Al and participation in its development and governance is concentrated among a few countries with advanced Al capabilities, while the ‘Global Al Majority’ – defined as the population of countries primarily encompassing Africa, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, and parts of Eastern Europe – is largely excluded. These regions, while diverse, share common challenges in accessing and influencing advanced Al technologies. This white paper investigates practical remedies to increase voice in and access to Al governance and capabilities for the Global Al Majority, while addressing the security and commercial concerns of frontier Al states. We examine key barriers facing the Global Al Majority, including limited access to digital and compute infrastructure, power concentration in Al development, Anglocentric data sources, and skewed talent distributions. The paper explores the dual-use dilemma of Al technologies and how it motivates frontier Al states to implement restrictive policies. We evaluate a spectrum of Al development initiatives, from domestic model creation at one end to structured access to deployed models at the other, as well as their feasibility for the Global Al Majority. To resolve governance dilemmas, we propose three key approaches: interest alignment, participatory architecture, and safety assurance. The paper recommends near-term steps including expanding internet connectivity, developing national data infrastructures, investing in Al education programs, and strengthening regional bodies to amplify the voice of Global Al Majority countries. It also emphasizes the need for safety assurance mechanisms that balance security concerns with increased access to Al technologies. By thoughtfully expanding participation while addressing potential security risks, we argue that a more equitable global Al ecosystem can be achieved – one that ensures that Al’s immense potential benefits humanity as a whole, while the technology’s risks are collectively managed through truly global cooperation.