Geneva non-profit IAIGA launches to establish global coordination for AI safety

The International AI Governance Alliance (IAIGA) has launched as a new Geneva-based non-profit organization aimed at establishing global coordination for AI development and safety standards.

Core mission and structure: IAIGA emerges from the Center for Existential Safety with two primary objectives focused on global AI coordination and regulation.

• The organization seeks to create an independent global intelligence network to coordinate AI research and ensure fair distribution of AI-derived economic benefits
• A key initiative involves developing an enforceable international treaty establishing AI safety standards and benefit-sharing mechanisms
• The organization is currently recruiting AI safety experts and global governance specialists

Current progress and partnerships: IAIGA has initiated extensive consultations while maintaining flexibility in its approach to achieving its objectives.

• Discussions have been held with 30 organizations, including 10+ policy-focused entities
• The initiative remains in an exploratory phase, with early findings suggesting support for a multilateral approach
• IAIGA is positioning itself as a “Plan B” while supporting another key actor’s slower-moving “Plan A” initiative in the space

Strategic timing and urgency: The organization anticipates significant developments in AI that could catalyze support for international governance frameworks.

• Broader support for multilateral AI governance is expected to emerge following what IAIGA terms an AI “warning shot” or global catastrophe
• The organization is preparing to rapidly deploy a vetted treaty framework when needed
• IAIGA is actively seeking team members, advisors, and financial supporters, while maintaining strict conflict of interest standards

Looking beyond the headlines: IAIGA’s emergence reflects growing recognition of the need for coordinated international governance of AI development, though questions remain about the feasibility of implementing binding global standards before a catalyzing event occurs. The organization’s dual focus on both safety and economic benefit distribution could help bridge divides between different stakeholder groups, but success will likely depend on building broad international consensus and support.