UN Stresses International Cooperation To Unlock AI's Full Potential

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged global collaboration to harness artificial intelligence (AI) while warning of its potential to deepen global inequalities. Speaking at an AI workshop in Shanghai, China, he stressed the need for safeguards to prevent AI from worsening disparities, especially in developing nations.

Guterres highlighted that the risks associated with AI are not evenly distributed. He stated, "The risks posed by AI are equally uneven. Without adequate guardrails, AI could further exacerbate inequalities and digital divides and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable." He emphasised the importance of inclusive governance to ensure AI benefits all humanity.

The Secretary-General also pointed out that while AI can significantly advance nearly 80% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), access to this technology is limited to a few countries and companies. This concentration leaves many nations struggling to keep up with advancements.

"To truly harness AI's potential, we need international cooperation — and solidarity. And we must urgently bridge the AI gap for developing countries," Guterres continued. He called for shared knowledge and digital public goods through networks that pool expertise and training data, making them accessible to all.

Guterres mentioned ongoing negotiations for a Global Digital Compact set to be adopted at the United Nations Summit of the Future in New York this month. This compact includes new proposals on AI governance and capacity-building.

Future Initiatives

The Secretary-General's High-level Advisory Body on AI will release its final report this month. The report will offer recommendations such as creating an AI Capacity Development Network to connect AI centres and provide expertise and training data, particularly for developing countries; establishing a Global Fund on AI for the SDGs; and developing a Global Data Framework to support local AI ecosystems.

"My High-level Advisory Body on AI will also issue its final report this month, with a series of recommendations, including creating an AI Capacity Development Network that will connect AI centres and provide expertise and training data, especially for developing countries; establishing a Global Fund on AI for the SGDs; and developing a Global Data Framework, so that local AI ecosystems can flourish," he concluded.

With inputs from WAM