Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Dmitry Chumakov at the high-level round table within the framework of the “UN Open Source Week”
The rapid development of digital technologies is having a noticeable impact on virtually all areas of public life. In these conditions, particular concern is raised by the existing unequal access to computing power, data, models, and expertise, which constrains the real growth prospects of countries of the global majority. Excessive concentration of key resources and technologies in the hands of a limited circle of governments and corporations risks creating new dividing lines between technological centers and the rest of the world, up to and including the emergence of new forms of oppression and dependence.
The development of open-source systems is an important tool for reducing the digital divide. The use of open-source software reduces costs and accelerates technological processes, thereby stimulating the creation of domestic developments and ultimately strengthening the sovereignty of Global South countries. Open technologies contribute to digital transformation and capacity building by involving a wide range of states in global production chains and facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills.
At the same time, the implementation of open-source solutions should presuppose their full analysis, refinement, and adaptation to security and reliability requirements. In the context of AI, this implies the use of trusted technologies that must be developed in accordance with the principles of respect for state sovereignty, reliability and resilience, transparency, non-discrimination, protection of personal data, and clear developer accountability. The use of open source, in turn, facilitates algorithm audits and the identification of errors and vulnerabilities. We proceed from the assumption that repositories of trusted software, including for AI, and related research should be based precisely on open technologies.
We emphasize the sovereign right of states to regulate the development and application of AI within their jurisdiction, as well as the obligation of developers to comply with the laws of the countries where their technologies are used. We reject the use of technical standards, market mechanisms, and export controls as instruments of pressure, and call for ensuring non-discriminatory access to technologies that are fundamentally important for progress.
We consistently advocate for building equal international cooperation on AI under the central coordinating role of the United Nations. We note with satisfaction the generally growing attention of the international community to this issue and its inclusion in international agreements, in particular in the 2025 BRICS Leaders’ Statement on global governance in the field of AI. The topic of open source was also discussed at the February AI Summit in New Delhi. We welcome the inclusion of open source in the agenda of the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, which will take place in July in Geneva. We expect that this issue will become a permanent item in discussions on capacity building and digital divide reduction in international forums.
We are ready to facilitate the exchange of best practices, strengthen the capacities of developing countries, and form common approaches to open source issues at the UN platform, taking into account the views of all states. We are convinced that open source can become an important tool for joint efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Thank you.
