Armenia’s First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry, Gevorg Mantashyan, is participating in a series of leading international events on the information society, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 6 to 8.
The events include the Global Dialogue for AI Governance, the high-level dialogue of the AI for Good Global Summit 2026, and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026. Held under the auspices of the United Nations, the gatherings bring together representatives of governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
Opening the Global Dialogue for AI Governance, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that artificial intelligence is advancing at a pace that is outstripping existing governance mechanisms. He said the world faces a choice between deliberate governance and allowing AI development to proceed unchecked, highlighting the risks of autonomous decision-making, the spread of disinformation, and the concentration of technological resources.
To address these challenges, Guterres outlined four key priorities, including the adoption of a “Commitment to Children’s Safety,” calling for mandatory safety testing of AI systems, zero tolerance for AI-generated child abuse material, and guaranteed access to qualified human support for children during crises.
He also stressed the need to uphold “red lines,” emphasizing that final decisions in high-stakes sectors such as justice and healthcare must remain under human control.
Concluding his remarks, Guterres said today’s generation may be the last capable of defining the rules governing coexistence between humans and intelligent machines, urging the international community to shape an AI future created by humanity, in partnership with humanity, and for the benefit of all.
Speaking during the governmental plenary session of the Global Dialogue for AI Governance, First Deputy Minister Gevorg Mantashyan presented Armenia’s strategic priorities for AI development, governance, and deployment.
He underscored the importance of responsible AI governance, stressing that technological innovation must be accompanied by stronger cybersecurity, robust data protection, adherence to international human rights standards, and meaningful human oversight.
Mantashyan identified infrastructure investment, talent development, and responsible international partnerships as the country’s key priorities for advancing the AI sector.
He also presented several strategic initiatives launched in Armenia to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem, highlighting the Ministry’s AI Virtual Institute—a platform designed to provide AI innovators, researchers, and the technology community with advanced cloud infrastructure, computing resources, collaboration opportunities, and tools for developing AI solutions.
According to Mantashyan, Armenia’s vision of becoming a “Garden of AI Factories” is already taking shape through projects such as Eleveight AI and Firebird AI.
He emphasized that effective governance of AI requires close international cooperation and inclusive dialogue among governments, academia, and the private sector, reaffirming Armenia’s readiness to work with international partners in support of sustainable development, global security, and shared prosperity.
During his visit, Mantashyan also met with representatives of Switzerland’s AI House initiative. The discussions focused on preparations for next year’s AI Impact Summit, opportunities to strengthen Armenia’s role at the event, and new avenues for international cooperation.
The meetings also addressed ways to showcase Armenia’s achievements in artificial intelligence on global platforms, deepen partnerships, and develop joint initiatives that will accelerate the country’s AI ecosystem and deliver tangible results.
Mantashyan noted that such cooperation is essential for bringing international best practices to Armenia and strengthening the country’s position as a regional hub for artificial intelligence.
