MUNICH – We are entering a transformational period in medical science, as traditional research techniques combine with massive computing power and a wealth of new data. Just recently, Google announced that it has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of outperforming human radiologists in detecting breast cancer. And that is merely the latest example of how machine learning and big data are leading to new medical diagnostics, treatments, and discoveries. To realize AI's enormous potential, however, we must develop a pragmatic and globally agreed approach to governing the collection and use of "real-world data." Like climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic is a perfect example of why we need multilateralism in a globalized world.