Federica Onori addresses a conference in Rome, 18 February 2026ROME, 19 February 2026 – At a conference on artificial intelligence held this week at the University of Rome La Sapienza, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on Artificial Intelligence Federica Onori (Italy) called for smart and effective governance of AI to protect people while fostering innovation. She further underscored the importance of ensuring that AI development remains aligned with democratic values and fundamental rights.

Onori emphasized in particular the need to combine regulation with growth and competitiveness. “We must not drift into a free-for-all on artificial intelligence. Rules are necessary – but they have to be smart and effective. Good governance means protecting people who are most exposed to social and economic risks while still backing innovation in a fast-moving technological environment,” said Onori.

In her remarks, Special Representative Onori highlighted the groups most affected by AI transformation: “Women, young people and workers at risk are on the front line of this transformation. AI can deepen existing inequalities, but it can also expand opportunity if supported by clear rules, algorithmic transparency and targeted public policies.”

She also underlined the importance of structured dialogue between the public and private sectors, stressing that cooperation between governments, international organizations, and industry is essential to ensure responsible AI development.

Onori reiterated her mandate as OSCE PA Special Representative on Artificial Intelligence to promote parliamentary dialogue on AI governance, ethics and regulation, and to engage with stakeholders across sectors on AI policy development and implementation. The panel also featured addresses from representatives of Google, Meta, TikTok, and Treccani, Italy’s national encyclopedia institute.

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