Guterres: AI must be shaped by ‘all humanity’, not a handful of forces

He warned that without international cooperation, technology would widen global disparities rather than advance sustainable development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, Guterres described AI as “humanity’s greatest opportunity in the 21st century,” but warned that it could also be “one of its greatest risks.”

“The technologies that will shape humanity’s future must be shaped by all of humanity,” he said, stressing that AI governance “cannot be governed by a handful of countries or companies” and that “every country needs a seat at the negotiating table”.

Progress is delayed

The UN has stepped up its efforts in AI governance over the past year, following the adoption of the regulations Global Digital Compact and the formation of a supported UN General Assembly Independent International Scientific Panel on AI – the first global scientific panel on revolutionary technology.

First session Global Dialogue on AI Governance held in Geneva earlier this month, where governments and stakeholders gathered for an open, transparent and inclusive discussion on the governance of artificial intelligence.

Recent initiatives are intended to help countries share expertise, promote common standards and ensure developing countries have a stronger voice in shaping the future of technology.

Mr. Guterres said The next phase should focus on turning those commitments into practical support so that all countries can benefit from the rapid development of AI.

Closing the gap

The Secretary-General said AI has huge potential to accelerate medical breakthroughs, transform education, strengthen food systems and create jobs, helping drive progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

But he warned that many developing countries were still at risk of being left behind.

“One third of humanity is still offline,” he noted, although computing power, technical expertise and investment are still highly concentrated in a small number of countries and companies.

If these gaps are not addressed, AI could lead to “greater inequality, greater gaps in income, opportunity and security.”

To help bridge the gap, Guterres said more than 20 countries, including China, have nominated centers for the UN-backed Global Network for Exchange and Cooperation in AI Capacity Building.

He also announced that he would soon make recommendations for a Global Fund for AI and called on governments to support both initiatives.

Three priorities

Secretary General outlined three priorities to ensure AI benefits everyone: expanding capacity in developing countries, setting international safety standards, and making AI greener.

He said developing countries should have the tools to build AI systems using their own data, language and expertise, while governments should adopt a common approach to testing and risk management based on international law.

“Human rights must be protected,” said the UN Secretary General. “Humans must remain in control of every life and death decision.” He also emphasized that “AI systems should not be given to children until they have been proven safe.”

On sustainability, Guterres called on major AI companies to disclose the environmental impact of their systems and power their operations with renewable energy by 2030, and urged governments to integrate green energy for AI into national plans.

“The decisive question is whether the transformation will reduce or strengthen inequality,He said, “Will it concentrate power or expand opportunity.”