“Lithuania has embarked on a positive and ambitious agenda for its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers. One that respects the legacy and ongoing aims of our Organisation. But also addresses some of the more recent and defining challenges of our times. This really is the story of the Council of Europe: the determination to apply long-standing values to evolving challenges that our societies face”, affirmed Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić at a ceremony to mark the organisation’s 75th anniversary held at the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament) in Vilnius.
During her working visit to Vilnius, the Secretary General opened the 21st International Anti-Corruption conference under the theme “Confronting Global Threats: Standing Up for Integrity”. She also delivered a keynote address on Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Human Rights at the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG), which gathered representatives of governments, international organisations, business, civil society, academia and the technical community to discuss internet-related public policy issues.
“AI systems should uphold European standards throughout their lifecycles, applying principles that are technology neutral and therefore future proof. So that gaps created by rapid technological advances are closed – and remain closed. These principles include human dignity and individual autonomy, equality and non-discrimination, protection of privacy and personal data, accountability and responsibility, protection, transparency and oversight, as well as safe innovation and reliability”, underscored Marija Pejčinović Burić, highlighting the relevance of the recently adopted Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence.
During her visit, the Secretary General held meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers Landsbergis, Minister of Justice Dobrowolska and Head of the Lithuanian Delegation to PACE Zingeris. An exchange of views with the leader of Belarusian opposition Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was also on the agenda.
Speeches by the Secretary General
EuroDIG 2024
21st International Anti-corruption Conference (IACC)
Ceremony on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe
