A total of 70 companies and organizations have joined the ‘Manifesto for responsible and sustainable artificial intelligence‘, presented by Forética with the aim of guiding them “to lead the way towards a future where Artificial Intelligence (AI) generates a positive impact on the planet, people and society.”
As reported by Forética, the text revolves around five principles, developed in 17 specific specificationswhich companies and organizations should consider as a guide on their path towards responsible and sustainable Artificial Intelligence.
Align the development and/or use of AI products with the achievement of net zero greenhouse gas emissions goals; align the development and/or use of AI products with the objectives of nature recovery; and promoting that the development and/or use of AI products is ethical, transparent, trustworthy, safe and respectful of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are some of these principles.
It is also urged to integrate in the development and/or use of AI products the contribution to inclusionthe equality, diversity and the elimination of any form of discrimination; and to operate and use AI products in accordance with principles of good governance and aware of the responsibilities involved.
“The Manifesto is the fruit of a extensive reflection from the Spanish Business Council for Sustainable Developmentmade up of presidents and CEOs of large Spanish companies, which at its annual executive meeting last February presented a declaration proposing principles of responsible AI,” Forética explained.
Regarding the principles, he has indicated that they were ratified by the Board of Directors of Forética, and were developed and complemented by incorporating both the aspects highlighted by experts in the field, collected in the ‘AI on ESG’ platformas well as with the collaboration of responsible AI and business sustainability managers, as well as the support of an Accenture technical team to ensure their compatibility with both the more demanding international standards such as the European Artificial Intelligence Law.
The Manifesto was presented this Tuesday to the Minister for Digital Transformation and the Public Service, José Luis Escrivá, and the Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, Mayte Ledo. Representing the companies and organizations adhering to the manifesto, Alberto Granados, president of Forética, Mercedes Oblanca, member of the Spanish Business Council for Sustainable Development led by Forética, where he has promoted the responsible AI initiative, Ignasi Belda, general director of the Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence (AESIA) and Ana Herrero, director of Sustainable Transformation at Forética.
“This document arises with the vocation to be an element of awareness and inspiration that encourages companies and organizations to develop and continuous improvement of corporate policies that support the principles of responsible and sustainable AI and transform them into action, going beyond what is required by law. In this sense, it is the first AI Manifesto focused on a comprehensive vision of environmental, social and governance aspects in Europe,” he added.
The 70 companies and organizations that have confirmed its support for the Accenture ManifestoAction Against Hunger, ADAMS Training, Adif, Airbus, Antolín, AstraZeneca, Atresmedia, Grupo Cooperativo Cajamar, Bankinter, BERGNER, BMW, Brico Depôt, Capital Energy, Cecabank, CELSA Group, CEMEX, Cepsa, Cesce, Chiesi, Coca- Cola Europacific Partners, Ecoembes, Enagás, Endesa, ENGIE, Enusa, Eulen, Exolum, FEIQUE, Ferrovial, Fundación ONCE, Galletas Gullón, Gómez-Acebo y Pombo, GoSupply, Grupo Asisa, Grupo ILUNION and Grupo Oesía.
Also included are Grupo SEPI, GSK, Holcim, Iberdrola, IBM, Indra, Informa D&B, Official Credit Institute (ICO), ISS, KPMG, Lactalis, Lilly, L’Oréal, Mahou San Miguel, ManpowerGroup, Metrovacesa, Microsoft, Mutualidad, NTT Data, PEFC Spain, PRISA, Prosegur, Repsol, SAP, SEO/BirdLife, Servimedia, Smurfit Kappa, Solunion, Solvay, Técnicas Reunidas, Transcendent, Vodafone and Workiva.
As next steps, Forética will promote the extension of support for these principles, starting, first, with its more than 200 partner companies and organizations. In addition, it will launch a community of practice for the periodic review and updating of the Manifesto. The Manifesto will be presented on June 26 at the European Sustainable Industry Summit 2024 organized by CSR Europe, in the session under the title ‘BUSINESS CASE: A Manifesto for Responsible and Sustainable AI’.
