Finland and Norway Lead International Initiative Urging Oversight of Frontier AI Models

On Sept. 21, 2026, the Office of the President of Finland announced that Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre had jointly launched an international initiative calling for the governance of frontier AI models. The initiative urges stronger global cooperation to ensure artificial intelligence remains under human control. It has been endorsed by leaders of 20 countries and the European Commission, and remains open for further signatures.

Describing AI as an extremely powerful technology with the potential to improve well-being, drive scientific progress and boost the global economy, the initiative warns that the rapid development of frontier AI models could pose serious security risks if not properly managed. It stresses that AI must always remain under human guidance, supervision and control, and that its development and use should comply with international law.

The initiative calls on companies to adopt transparent safety protocols, including mandatory pre-deployment testing and independent evaluation, with full access for assessors to evaluate risks. It also urges countries and regional organizations to develop and harmonize common standards, enhance transparency, report major safety incidents, and ensure access to scientific capacity, expertise and credible assessments. In addition, it invites UN member states to explore, building on existing international mechanisms, the establishment of an international body responsible for setting standards and conducting verification, and to convene consultations when necessary.