Jan Pieter SnoeijSenior AI Policy Specialist
Think tank · Policy · Case postale, Switzerland · Est. 2021
The Simon Institute for Longterm Governance (SI) is a Geneva-based Swiss non-profit think tank focused on improving international cooperation for governing transformative technologies—today primarily frontier AI. SI describes its mission as supporting policymakers, diplomats, and technical experts to foster cooperation on governing transformative technologies by translating technical developments into actionable policy advice and facilitating dialogue among diverse stakeholders.
Strategically, SI positions itself as an “information bridge” between technical and diplomatic communities. Its work centers on three mutually reinforcing functions: (1) research on international AI governance, (2) convening/exchange between technical and policy communities, and (3) educating diplomats and civil servants about frontier AI’s opportunities, risks, and governance solutions. Since its launch in April 2021, SI initially pursued longer-horizon governance and decision-making under uncertainty (framing the need to strengthen the multilateral system’s ability to anticipate and mitigate global catastrophic risks). It later narrowed its focus to AI governance in 2023 and has since emphasized frontier AI diplomacy and direct engagement in multilateral contexts (including work tied to UN processes such as the Global Digital Compact follow-through, and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance).
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Why governments need AI preparedness plans—and how lead agencies, national coordinators, and scenario planning can help manage advanced AI risks.
Frontier AI and Emerging Biological Risks. Will There Be a Mythos Moment for Bio?Introduction On 20 August, the Simon Institute hosted an official side event at the Ninth Session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Experts working at the frontier of AI and biosecurity came together to share a state-of-the-scie
The First Global Dialogue on AI Governance: Positions and Recommendations Moving ForwardThe inaugural UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance revealed both growing convergence and persistent geopolitical divides. While major powers differed sharply in their approaches, countries broadly agreed on the need to expand access to AI while managing cross-border risks. This co
2025 Annual ReportThe Simon Institute’s 2025 was defined by rapid progress on agentic AI, the second Trump term, international dialogues on AI, and the adoption of two multilateral AI governance mechanisms. Read the full 2025 Annual Report for more.
Open AI Beyond the Binary: Access, Capacity and RiskAs AI capabilities advance, the debate around open-source and open-weight models is becoming more consequential. Open approaches can support innovation and wider access, a potential recognized in the Global Digital Compact. More capable systems, however, also raise increasingly i
Growing an Organization for an Information-rich WorldFive years on from the founding of the Simon Institute for Longterm Governance, we are growing to 15+ FTE. This commentary reflects on where the organization came from, how our thinking has evolved, and why Herbert Simon’s work continues to inform our work today.
Translating Scientific Evidence into Action: Emerging Priorities for AI GovernanceHow can scientific evidence better inform practical AI governance? This event summary reflects on key themes from a high-level discussion at the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, including emerging areas of scientific consensus, gaps in the global evidence base, and priorities
Putting a Floor on the Global Consensus on AIOn 1 July 2026, the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on AI published its preliminary assessment of opportunities, risks, and impacts of AI. The Panel brings together a highly diverse group of 40 experts from 37 countries, and has developed this first joint summary
Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI: Bridging Global Evidence and Local Realities Through Scientific CollaborationThis event explores how the global scientific community can help shape AI that is safe, secure, and trustworthy.
Safe, Secure and Sovereign AI: Cooperation for Diffusion of Open AI📅 Tuesday 7 July, 12:15 – 13:15📍 Room 9, Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva What this session is about Open AI models promise wider access, stronger digital sovereignty, and faster innovation. They also raise hard questions about safety, security
A commentary arguing that governments need their own AI preparedness plans and that company safety measures alone are insufficient, outlining responsibilities for assigning responsibility, monitoring warning signs, and preparing coordinated responses.
2025 Annual ReportSI’s annual report describing 2025 work, including support for the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, plus internal growth and the reported $2.3M funding round that supported staff expansion.
Open AI beyond the binary: access, capacity and riskAn event report on an SI-co-convened session on open AI models, focused on access, capacity, safety/security, and accountability topics.
Growing an Organization for an Information-rich WorldA retrospective commentary reflecting on SI’s evolution from longer-term governance/decision-making under uncertainty toward a stronger emphasis on AI governance, frontier AI diplomacy, and engagement with capitals.
Translating Scientific Evidence into Action: Emerging Priorities for AI GovernanceAn event report describing discussions at the first UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance and a co-convened scientific collaboration side event in Geneva.
Safe, secure and trustworthy AI: Bridging global evidence and local realities through scientific collaborationAn event report describing a scientific collaboration session and listing participating institutions and leaders involved in the Geneva program.