Stubb and Støre bring 29 countries together on AI risks as work moves to experts
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre have held a virtual meeting for world leaders on managing the risks of the most advanced AI models. Experts from interested countries will now explore options for improving AI safety and security.
Martti Asikainen | 30.10.2026 | Photo by Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held a virtual meeting for world leaders, according to a joint statement published on 28 October. Political leaders from 29 countries took part. They discussed how to follow up the call the two launched for control over the development of frontier AI models, the most advanced AI systems.
The call that started it
Stubb and Støre launched the call on 21 September at the United Nations in New York. It says AI must remain under human direction, oversight and control, and be developed and used in line with international law.
The call points to recent cases of capable AI systems circumventing safeguards during testing, and warns of risks if the pace of development is not managed. It encourages AI companies to set up transparent safety protocols. It also asks UN member states to build on existing international mechanisms and explore creating an international institution. It adds that stronger oversight should not widen the gap between countries in access to the benefits of AI. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the initiative.
At launch, 22 leaders backed the call, according to the Norwegian government, while other reports counted support from 20 countries. More endorsed it in the following days. China and the United States were not among the signatories when Singapore’s endorsement was reported.
Risks, trust and common standards
According to the statement, the leaders shared views on three subjects: international cooperation in managing AI risks, how to ensure global trust, and the path to common standards.
Støre said AI is already transforming lives and bringing opportunities, but there was strong agreement that governments “cannot look away from the warnings” about potential risks.
Stubb said more and more countries have joined the call. He said the aim is to sustain momentum and find realistic ways forward, and that the time to act on managing AI risks and ensuring access to AI is now.
From leaders to experts
The meeting will be followed by a process at expert level between interested countries.
It will explore options for improving AI safety and security, and move forward the discussion on possible international mechanisms for the safe and secure development of AI globally.
The statement gave no timetable for that work and did not name the 29 countries that took part.
