The UN General Assembly convened on Thursday, advocating for the establishment of universal guidelines to navigate the challenges and advantages of artificial intelligence (AI).
This unified resolution, jointly sponsored by numerous nations and unanimously agreed upon, underscores the critical requirement for guidelines that ensure the promotion of “safe, secure, and dependable artificial intelligence systems.” Notably, the resolution specifically excludes military AI from its scope.
Primarily driven by the United States, the resolution primarily highlights the affirmative potential of AI technology, emphasizing the importance of “bridging the artificial intelligence and other digital disparities among and within nations.”
It aims to encourage the advancement of digital transformation and equal access to AI to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, working towards a brighter future for humanity by 2030.
US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stressed the pressing need for collective action among member states during the rapid evolution of AI technologies.
In a collective statement with the numerous co-sponsors, she conveyed the imperative of seizing the unique opportunities presented by this pivotal moment.
According to Richard Gowan, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, the focus on development reflects a deliberate strategy by the US to garner favor from less affluent nations.
Gowan noted that emphasizing how AI can aid the progress of developing countries might be a more approachable starting point compared to directly addressing security and safety concerns.
