Guterres: AI must be shaped by ‘all of humanity’, not a handful of powers
Guterres Calls for Inclusive AI Governance at Shanghai Conference
Global Cooperation Essential for Equitable Technology Development
Guterres - During a Friday address, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a compelling call for collaborative efforts between national governments and technology enterprises. His message centered on ensuring that artificial intelligence delivers benefits across all nations rather than concentrating advantages among a select few. The Secretary-General emphasized that failure to pursue international cooperation could result in the technology exacerbating worldwide disparities instead of fostering sustainable progress.
At the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference held in Shanghai, Guterres characterized AI as representing "humanity's greatest opportunity in the 21st century." However, he simultaneously cautioned that this same technology could transform into "one of its greatest risks" if not properly managed. His remarks highlighted the dual nature of artificial intelligence and the critical importance of how it is developed and deployed globally.
"Technology that will shape the future of humanity must be shaped by all of humanity," he declared, emphasizing that AI governance "cannot be governed by a handful of countries or companies" and that "every nation needs a seat at the table."
Building Institutional Frameworks for AI Oversight
The United Nations has significantly intensified its efforts regarding AI governance throughout the previous year. This acceleration followed the adoption of the Global Digital Compact and the creation of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, which operates under the backing of the UN General Assembly. This panel represents the first global scientific body dedicated exclusively to examining this revolutionary technology.
Earlier in the current month, Geneva hosted the inaugural session of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. During this gathering, governments and various stakeholders participated in open, transparent, and inclusive discussions concerning artificial intelligence governance. These conversations aimed to establish collaborative approaches to managing AI development on an international scale.
Such recent initiatives serve multiple purposes. They are designed to facilitate knowledge sharing among nations, promote the development of common standards, and guarantee that developing countries possess a more substantial voice in determining how this technology will evolve. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to inclusive global governance structures.
Addressing the Digital Divide and Capacity Building
Guterres indicated that the subsequent phase of work must concentrate on converting commitments into tangible support mechanisms. This practical approach would enable all countries to benefit from AI's rapid advancement. The Secretary-General highlighted the technology's substantial potential to accelerate medical discoveries, revolutionize educational systems, strengthen food production networks, and generate employment opportunities. These contributions could significantly advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Nevertheless, he warned that numerous developing nations face the danger of being excluded from these benefits. "One-third of humanity is still offline," he pointed out, noting that computing capabilities, technical knowledge, and financial investment remain predominantly concentrated within a limited number of countries and corporations. If these imbalances are not resolved, AI might produce "greater inequalities, greater divides in income, in opportunity, in security."
"One-third of humanity is still offline," he noted, while computing power, technical expertise and investment remain heavily concentrated in a small number of countries and companies.
Proposed Solutions and Future Priorities
To help bridge these existing gaps, Guterres revealed that more than twenty nations, with China among them, have already nominated centers for a UN-supported Global Network for Exchange and Cooperation on AI Capacity Building. Additionally, he announced plans to soon present recommendations for establishing a Global Fund for AI, requesting that governments endorse both initiatives.
The Secretary-General identified three central priorities for guaranteeing that AI serves everyone equally. These include expanding capabilities within developing countries, creating international safety standards, and enhancing the environmental sustainability of AI systems. He emphasized that developing nations should possess adequate tools to construct AI systems utilizing their own data, languages, and expertise.
"Human rights must be protected" the UN chief said. "Humans must keep control over every life-and-death decision." He also stressed that "no AI system should be put in a child's hands before it has been proven safe."
Regarding sustainability concerns, Guterres urged leading AI corporations to reveal the environmental impact of their systems and to power their operations using renewable energy sources by 2030. He encouraged governments to incorporate clean energy for AI into their national planning frameworks. "The defining question is whether that transformation will reduce inequalities or reinforce them," he concluded. "Whether it will concentrate power or expand opportunity."