CJ calls for global cooperation on regulatory impact assessments for responsible tech use

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has urged global communities to collaborate in addressing the challenges and opportunities of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasising the crucial role of regulatory impact assessments (RIAs) in developing adaptive legal frameworks.

Speaking at the World Regulatory Forum of the Global Government Summit 2025 in Dubai today (13 February), the chief justice emphasised the importance of designing modern regulatory mechanisms that are agile, inclusive, and able to respond to the complexities of an ever-evolving technological landscape. 

In particular, the chief justice highlighted how AI has transformed sectors like healthcare, education, finance, and governance, while also raising significant ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges. 

He posed critical questions around accountability in AI decision-making, algorithmic biases, and safeguarding individual rights while fostering innovation. 

He remarked that AI's global impact necessitates a harmonised regulatory approach that transcends national boundaries and to address this urge the policymakers and global leaders to work towards collaborative solutions.

In discussing the role of Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs), the chief justice particularly emphasised the need for RIAs in AI governance, ensuring policies remain forward-looking and responsive to rapid technological changes. 

He pointed out that regulatory mechanisms are essential for testing new technologies and refining regulatory frameworks. 

He called for the wider adoption of innovative regulatory tools to ensure that legislation keeps pace with technological advancements.

The chief justice concluded his speech with a call for action, urging governments, global leaders, legal experts, and civil society to collaborate in building a fair and just regulatory environment.