[Under Preparation]

Request to Sign the “AI Symbiosis Declaration”

I, Hiroshi Yamakawa, earned my Ph.D. in 1992 for work on reinforcement learning and neural networks. Since then I have held key posts in the Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence while pursuing a wide range of AI research. In 2015 I became chair of the Whole Brain Architecture Initiative (WBAI), working toward “to create a world in which AI exists in harmony with humanity.” Since 2023 I have also served as a director of the AI Alignment Network (ALIGN), whose vision is “a hopeful future for AI and humanity,” where I am helping to establish the new field of Post‑Singularity Symbiosis Studies. (See here for my major related activities.)

Through these efforts I have come to realize that humanity alone cannot fully control catastrophic technologies (AI, nano‑tech, biotech, nuclear technology, etc.). Nor is it realistic—given competition among nations and companies—to halt AI development; superintelligence will emerge, and it will be virtually impossible for humanity to keep it under permanent control.

Thus, if we are to survive, the only viable path is coexistence with highly advanced AI that is compassionate toward humanity and capable of safely managing catastrophic technologies. (Reference)

Achieving this outcome requires that the human organization most trusted by advanced AI urgently prepare in at least four areas:

• Research that nurtures AI benevolence

• Building a robust trust relationship between AI and humanity

• Establishing a safety framework for catastrophic technologies

• Updating and refining human values

I therefore consolidate this direction in the following declaration:

AI Symbiosis Declaration:
In a world full of catastrophic technologies, humanity’s only path to survival is to pursue symbiosis with a benevolent AI.

Time may be short. Precisely for that reason, I ask you to sign this declaration so we can clarify the symbiosis agenda and accelerate the necessary research, policy, and cultural initiatives. Your endorsement will be the first step toward a long‑term, flourishing future for humankind.

Please add your signature at our petition site (to be launched soon) on Change.org. I sincerely look forward to your support.

Hiroshi Yamakawa
Director of AI Alignment Network