The 66th sitting of the PABSEC Committee on Legal Affairs and International Cooperation was dedicated to the deliberations on the AI role for the sustainable socio-economic development in the Black Sea region; during the sitting, held in Borjomi, the lawmakers from the PABSEC member states discussed the AI role and the legal aspects thereof.

Sofia Vouletspi, PABSEC Vice-President, expressed her gratitude to the Parliamentary Delegation of Georgia for organising and hosting the meeting. She emphasised that the development of artificial intelligence necessitates the creation of specific instruments and legal frameworks.

Irakli Mezurnishvili, Head of the Parliamentary Delegation to PABSEC, delivered his welcome address, stressing that the Black Sea region possesses immense potential for cooperation within the AI sphere.

"Our countries share similar challenges - ranging from economic transformation and digital infrastructure development to education and governance reforms.

By enhancing regional cooperation, managing resources sustainably, and focusing on innovation-driven growth, artificial intelligence can help us address these challenges more effectively. Black Sea region has the potential to become a regional hub for the development of artificial intelligence. Countries could collaborate to establish ethical frameworks, data-sharing standards and partnerships. Joint initiatives in AI would strengthen cybersecurity, promote digital trade and sustainable industries, ultimately benefiting region", - he said.

As per his assessment, Georgia is at the initial stage of establishing the national policy framework: "The purpose of this framework is to create favourable conditions for innovation, promote the safe implementation of new technologies and ensure society benefits from artificial intelligence. A key objective of the Georgian Innovation and Technology Agency is to develop Georgia`s first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Action Plan, which will outline how the country can utilise technology in a future-oriented manner".

According to him, Georgia remains committed to the principle that technologies should serve the people rather than the other way around. In this view, Georgia accessed the CoE Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law.

"We believe that innovation should always serve people. Our aim is to ensure that artificial intelligence becomes a tool for inclusive growth, better governance, and a stronger society. Therefore, we call on everyone to continue working together - to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that innovation contributes to building a more open, skilled, and future-oriented region. In this way, we can make artificial intelligence a true driving force for progress, prosperity, and human development in the Black Sea region", - he stressed.

Shota Berekashvili, Chairman of the Economic Policy Committee, dwelt on the AI role in the economic development of the country: "Today, the global economy transitions into a new phase where AI and advanced data infrastructure serve as a key driver of economic growth. Goldman Sachs estimates that the introduction of AI could increase global GDP by approximately 7%, while McKinsey forecasts that investments in the AI sector will reach 7 trillion USD by 2030. The global demand for data centres is also expected to increase by 3.5 times annually".

He stressed that such a transformation creates significant opportunities for countries like Georgia. Low energy tariffs, a high share of renewable energy production, a favourable climate and access to land resources constitute ideal prerequisites for data centre development.

He noted that the completely digitalised public service system and transparent data management enable the transformation of this infrastructure into a new platform for economic growth.

MPs of Georgia, Greece, Romania, Turkey, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan discussed the recommendations to be submitted for consideration by the General Assembly. They also made decisions on the convening of the next sitting of the Committee.