The King's speech at the AI Summit in Scotland

I must say, I am enormously grateful to you all for stepping away from your busy lives and making the journey to this rather remote, but uniquely special corner of Scotland, at Dumfries House. 

This place is perhaps particularly meaningful to me, as it has become something of a living laboratory for what I have referred to – in a book I co-wrote some sixteen years ago – as the philosophy of Harmony, which emphasises the balance, order, and relationships between ourselves and the natural world – a central truth to creating a future in which we are a part of Nature, not apart from it.   

If Harmony has any relevance to today's discussions, it is perhaps as a reminder that innovation must always be considered within the wider systems upon which all depend.  As you gather for what, I hope, you will find to be fruitful conversations on the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence, I can only pray that this philosophy goes some way to arming you with the unique perspective needed to reconcile the enduring needs of humanity, with the extraordinary capabilities of these new technologies.   

Ladies and Gentlemen, we might readily agree that the development of AI – its substance and its pace - are both intriguing and deeply concerning in equal measure.  AI is already showing its immense capacity to improve and save life – for example, in the field of life sciences and medicine.  Yet, those who have created these technologies are now increasingly warning that AI risks developing darker capacities – perhaps even to take life.  In this regard, if I may say so, there seems urgency in adequately considering the existential dangers of such technologies falling into the wrong hands, and being used in potentially catastrophic ways. Surely, we need sufficient means of control before it is all too late?   

Those in our world who value deeply our humanity and its vital moral component are anxiously seeking your reassurance that we will not lose control of our destiny, or our souls… 

So, today, I want to ask two simple questions, building on the message I sent to the United Kingdom AI Safety Summit in Bletchley in 2023:  

First, how can we harness the benefits of AI, with safety at its heart? And, second,  How can we build international cooperation and consensus to achieve this, so no Nation is left behind - but the human race is left in place? 

This may sound hyperbolic.  I have long thought it is just enlightened realism…  

While these are simple questions, I fully realise that the answers will require all the intellectual excellence –  and, crucially, the emotional excellence which separates man from machine – which is represented in this room.  

In other words, as I have said, our humanity must remain sacred.  

The decisions taken at this formative time will shape the world inherited by future generations.  And so, the task before you is not merely to advance technology, but to ensure that it remains firmly in the service of humanity, community and the natural world.  As we embrace what is new, we must not lose what is timeless. 

I can only applaud those of you who are so deeply committed to harnessing Artificial Intelligence for good, so that we might see a future where human potential remains boundless, whilst technological development is carefully curated to enhance our success.  I am most grateful for the presence in this room of many of our greatest technological minds, and indeed, for the thoughtful stewardship demonstrated by those gathered here today as you consider the fundamental principles that should – and must – guide the development of Artificial Intelligence in the years ahead. 

I very much look forward to returning to hear the conclusions of your productive – and I hope harmonious! – discussions later on today.