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Version 1.0 — March 26, 2026

This document explains what PauseAI is as an international organisation, how it is structured, and what it means to be part of it. It is the document you point people to when people ask: “how does PauseAI work internationally?”

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1. What PauseAI Is

PauseAI Global is an international citizens’ movement calling for a pause on the development of the most powerful AI systems until binding international safety standards are in place.

We are not anti-technology. We are not asking for AI development to stop permanently. We are asking for a pause, to allow legislation time to catch up and put adequate safeguards in place, and to ensure that decisions about the most consequential technology in human history are not made by a handful of developers behind closed doors.

PauseAI Global operates as a federation: a global network of local groups and chapters that share a common mission, a common set of values, and a common message, while operating with significant local autonomy. The global organisation exists to support and coordinate these groups and chapters, while respecting their sovereignty.

2. Chapter Type

PauseAI’s network is organised into three tiers. All are legitimate parts of the federation. The distinction is about maturity, accountability, and the level of support and responsibility each receives.

Local Group

A Local Group is an informal gathering of people in a city or country who want to organise under the PauseAI banner. Local Groups are the starting point and can operate in a more informal manner. They can also exist within an established Country Chapter to represent a local city, town or region.

A new local group must seek approval from its corresponding Country Chapter lead or Organizing Director to obtain access to PauseAI resources and be listed on the PauseAI website.

Local Groups are expected to:

• Operate in alignment with PauseAI’s Core Values, Core Mission Statement, and Code of Conduct
• Have at least one named contact who is responsible for communication with the global team or the relevant chapter
• Not make public statements or enter formal partnerships on behalf of PauseAI without Global or corresponding Chapter sign-off.
• Use material that is provided by their relevant chapter or Global only, any new material must be approved before dissemination.

Chapter

A Chapter is a formally recognised, accountable unit of the federation. Chapters have demonstrated the capacity to run sustained campaigns, maintain a core team, and uphold PauseAI’s standards consistently. In return, they receive greater support from the global organisation and carry greater responsibility for the movement’s reputation.

Chapters are expected to meet all the obligations of a Local Group, plus:

• Maintain a named core team with defined roles
• Adopt all documents in the Sandbox Floor (see Section 4)