GAIRA: AI for Global Progress

The US Department of State’s Vision for Responsible AI

The United States Department of State has taken a significant step towards shaping the future of artificial intelligence with the official release of the Global AI Research Agenda (GAIRA) and the accompanying AI in Global Development Playbook. These landmark initiatives are designed to steer future AI research and its practical applications towards advancing global progress and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What is GAIRA?

GAIRA represents a comprehensive framework for fostering a holistic and coordinated approach to AI research and development. Launched in September 2024, its core mission is to ensure that AI is developed and utilized in a manner that benefits all individuals, upholds human rights and fundamental freedoms, expands economic opportunities, and actively works to reduce inequality worldwide.

Guiding Principles and International Collaboration

The agenda is built upon a foundation of key principles, including inclusion and equity, responsible research conduct, and robust partnership and collaboration. GAIRA places a strong emphasis on international cooperation, recognizing that the global impact of AI necessitates a unified approach. It specifically calls for further research to assess AI’s effects in the developing world and advocates for cross-border collaboration to effectively manage AI’s influence on critical areas such as labor markets, healthcare, and the environment.

AI and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

A central tenet of GAIRA is its focus on leveraging AI’s immense potential to accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By strategically directing AI research and deployment, the initiative aims to harness this transformative technology for positive global change.

Addressing the Impact on Labor Markets

Recognizing the profound implications of AI on employment, GAIRA specifically calls for research to deepen our understanding of how the deployment of AI solutions might impact the global labor market and workforce. This proactive approach seeks to anticipate challenges and develop strategies for a smooth transition in the evolving landscape of work.

Operationalizing the Vision

GAIRA is published in accordance with Section 11(c)(ii) of the U.S. Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, underscoring its significance within the broader US AI strategy. In a tangible step towards operationalizing GAIRA, March 2025 saw the launch of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes by the U.S., U.K., Canada, and the EU. Concurrently, the State Department, in collaboration with USAID, established a dedicated Office for Global AI Policy. These actions demonstrate a clear commitment to translating GAIRA’s vision into concrete action, further strengthening the 2023 National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan.

Through GAIRA, the US Department of State is championing a future where AI serves as a powerful tool for global development, fostering a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all.