22/11/2024 President
The need to rethink the meaning and functioning of democracy in the world where the erosion of trust in democratic institutions is growing, as well as the role of social media and fake news in this process worldwide, were at the centre of discussions held by PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos in New York during a four-day visit to the United Nations headquarters.
The importance of AI and its implications for human rights, democracy and the rule of law – as well as co-operation in promoting the Council of Europe's recently-adopted AI convention – were also highlighted. According to Mr Rousopoulos, AI is to be welcomed but must remain “a tool to assist human capabilities and not a substitute for human will and autonomy”.
During the visit the President met, among others, with the President of the UN General Assembly Philémon Yang, UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Al Mohammed, Under-Secretary-General for Policy Guy Ryder, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo, UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner and Deputy Executive Director for Resource Management, Sustainability and Partnerships of UN Women Kirsi Madi.
Other issues discussed included possible ways for the Assembly to meaningfully and effectively contribute to raising awareness and implementing the recently adopted UN Pact for the Future; improving the visibility of the Council of Europe and increasing knowledge of its relevant standards and Conventions among non-European states and organisations; supporting Ukraine in a rapidly changing political environment; advancing gender equality and empowering women to enable them to play a more active role in public life worldwide.
