From the Ashes of Notre-Dame to the Flames of AI: A Call for Global Action
The world watched in horror as flames engulfed the Notre-Dame Cathedral in April 2019. For hours, it seemed as though one of humanity's most cherished cultural icons might be lost forever. But what followed was nothing short of remarkable.
The global community rallied, and over the past five years, meticulous efforts have not only restored Notre-Dame to its former glory but have also infused it with renewed vitality, blending its historic roots with modern techniques.
This story of resilience and collective determination offers a profound metaphor for another fire that is currently smoldering—one that, if left unchecked, could have far-reaching consequences for humanity. This "fire" is the rapid, unregulated rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and its potential to reshape every facet of our society, including the very fabric of the global workforce.
The Fire of AI: A Looming Threat
Just as the fire at Notre-Dame was a wake-up call to address structural vulnerabilities, the rise of AI is exposing cracks in our societal systems. Across industries, AI is already making significant inroads, replacing human roles in technology, manufacturing, customer service, and even legal sectors. While innovation has always brought progress, the unprecedented pace of AI’s evolution threatens to displace millions of workers, creating economic disparities and social upheaval on a scale that recalls the industrial transformations of the past—only faster and potentially more devastating.
In the United States alone, since late 2023, waves of layoffs in tech and manufacturing sectors have highlighted the disruptive impact of AI. Projections for 2025, with the accelerated deployment of AI agents, suggest that these trends will only intensify. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we prepared to address this fire before it spreads out of control?
Learning from Notre-Dame
The restoration of Notre-Dame reminds us that human resilience, collaboration, and forward-thinking can turn tragedy into triumph. But what if we had acted sooner? What if measures had been taken to prevent the fire in the first place? Similarly, with AI, we stand at a crossroads. We can either wait for the flames of disruption to consume livelihoods, stability, and equity, or we can act decisively now to shape its future in a way that aligns with humanity’s best interests.
A Correspondence with Leadership: My Letter to President Emmanuel Macron
In this spirit, I recently reached out (yet again) to French President Emmanuel Macron to urge global action on AI regulation. Below is my letter, which draws on the metaphor of Notre-Dame to emphasize the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by AI.
Subject: The Restoration of Notre-Dame and the Imperative of AI Regulation
Mr. President,
I hope this message finds you in good health and serenity. I followed with admiration your visit to the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, a true symbol of resilience and human dedication. The meticulous efforts over the past five years have not only revived this iconic edifice but have also imbued it with new vitality, blending its rich past with contemporary restoration techniques.
However, just as the fire at Notre-Dame surprised us with its magnitude and suddenness, we must act now to prevent another fire, this time digital, which could devastate the very essence of our humanity.
This monumental achievement prompts me to reflect on another urgent challenge: the unchecked advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). In the same way that proactive measures might have prevented the fire of 2019, we are now facing a growing "fire" in the form of rapid AI development, which, if left unregulated, could inflict irreversible harm on the very core of our humanity.
One of the pioneers of AI, Geoffrey Hinton, recently expressed, in an interview with the BBC, his concerns as well as those of other AI experts regarding the trajectory of this technology. He stated that there is at least a 50% chance that, within the next 5 to 20 years, AI systems could surpass human intelligence and potentially attempt to take control. This alarming observation underscores the urgency of immediate and coordinated action to anticipate and mitigate the associated risks.
France, with its profound cultural heritage and historic role in global issues, is uniquely positioned to lead a collective effort. Just as it played a key role in the creation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, it can now establish a universal ethical framework for AI, ensuring that this technology serves the best interests of humanity.
In the United States, the labor market is already feeling the disruptive effects of AI. Since the end of 2023, massive job losses have struck the technology and manufacturing sectors. Thousands of families are left destitute, and the outlook for 2025, with the growing deployment of AI agents, amplifies this threat. These upheavals, particularly concerning in capitalist economies, risk exacerbating economic and social disparities, with repercussions that will inevitably extend to global economies.
The restoration of Notre-Dame illustrates what collective effort can achieve in the face of adversity. It reminds us that with foresight and determination, we can preserve what we hold dear. Similarly, addressing the challenges posed by AI demands global cooperation and decisive action.
To maximize the impact of the Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence scheduled for February 2025, it is essential to rely on concrete and ambitious measures, such as:
Establishing an international regulatory framework: Creating global agreements to oversee the development and use of AI, ensuring respect for human rights, privacy, and security.
Promoting ethics in AI: Ensuring that AI systems integrate ethical principles and reflect universal values while avoiding discriminatory biases.
Strengthening transparency and accountability: Requiring companies to clearly disclose the data and algorithms they use to improve oversight and understanding of these systems.
Supporting research on the societal impacts of AI: Encouraging studies on the economic and social implications of AI to develop appropriate public policies.
Educating and raising public awareness: Launching educational initiatives to inform citizens about AI challenges and enable them to actively participate in debates.
Fostering collaboration with the private sector and civil society: Maintaining an open dialogue among governments, companies, researchers, and NGOs to co-construct balanced and inclusive solutions.
These measures, integrated into the summit’s program, would enable France to play a decisive role in shaping global AI governance, ensuring that its development remains in service of humanity.
Mr. President, just as the restoration of Notre-Dame demonstrated the strength of human cooperation in the face of adversity, we now have a historic opportunity to unite our efforts to regulate AI and protect our humanity. It is up to France, a bearer of universal values, to lead this essential fight for the future of our world.
Thank you for the attention you will give to this crucial matter.
Respectfully,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Founder, Voice for Change Foundation
A Global Responsibility
The restoration of Notre-Dame reminds us of what is possible when humanity unites around a common cause. The challenges of AI demand a similar level of urgency and collaboration. France, with its history of leadership in global initiatives like the Paris Agreement, is uniquely positioned to guide the world in addressing these challenges.
AI is not inherently a destructive force—it holds the promise of advancing healthcare, combating climate change, and improving quality of life. But without guardrails, it could lead to societal fractures that may be irreparable.
A Call to Action
Just as we did not give up on Notre-Dame, we cannot afford to let the unchecked rise of AI dictate our future. This is a pivotal moment in history, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that AI serves humanity, rather than undermining it.
I invite you to join the conversation and demand that leaders prioritize AI regulation at the upcoming Summit. Together, we can extinguish the fire before it spreads and, like Notre-Dame, ensure that what emerges from the ashes is stronger, more resilient, and truly aligned with our shared values.
