The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has delivered his opinion on the emergence of Artificial Intelligence in the contemporary world of government.
Addressing the UN Security Council, the Secretary-General emphasized on the possibilities of clinging to AI to fasten economic growth and human development. He also issued warning against the criminal application of the cutting-edge emerging technology.
“Look no further than social media. Tools and platforms that were designed to enhance human connection are now used to undermine elections, spread conspiracy theories, and incite hatred and violence. Malfunctioning AI systems are another huge area of concern. And the interaction between AI and nuclear weapons, biotechnology, neurotechnology, and robotics, is deeply alarming.”
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General.
According to the world’s top diplomat, it would be extremely dangerous for global security and peace, if Artificial Intelligence is utilize for conducting illegalities like cyberattacks, creating malicious information, and propagating hateful content.
Also, the challenging discussions pertaining to AI governance was brought up by the Secretary-General, emphasizing on the necessity for a global strategy, citing examples of comparable past developments that showed the way forward, with the UN serving as the driving force.
“The international community has a long history of responding to new technologies with the potential to disrupt our societies and economies. We have come together at the United Nations to set new international rules, sign new treaties, and establish new global agencies.”
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General.
Antonio Guterres further referred to the proposals on the moralities of AI and the key values surrounding the application of lethal autonomous weapon systems, that were addressed and adopted in a previous UN conference.
Moreover, he again said, the AI for Good summit in Geneva last month, likewise gathered experts across the globe, representatives from the corporate sectors, UN agencies, and governments to guarantee the promotion of the cutting-edge emerging technology for the greater good.
Bridging The Gap
On the other hand, Mr. Guterres emphasized that, there should be a national and international need to address the AI skills gap that exists in governments and other organizations.
“I therefore welcome calls from some Member States for the creation of a new United Nations entity to support collective efforts to govern this extraordinary technology, inspired by such models as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization, or the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. A new UN entity would gather expertise and put it at the disposal of the international community, and it would support collaboration on the research and development of AI tools to accelerate sustainable development.”
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General.
However, the UN Secretary-General disclosed that, a high-level AI conference would be convened before the year closes, to draft a report on the possibilities of AI for government across the globe. Not all, Guterres also revealed a new policy brief, which will offer proposals to nation on Artificial Intelligence governance.
The policy brief will demand that, deliberations and legislations on a legally-binding mechanism to forbid the use of lethal autonomous weapons systems, that operate without human guidance or monitoring, and that contradicts with international humanitarian law, be completed by 2026.
Antoni Guterres further called upon the UN Security Council “to exercise leadership on AI” to serve as a pathway for accountability, openness and supervision.
“We must work together for AI that bridges social, digital, and economic divides, not one that pushes us further apart. I urge you to join forces and build trust for peace and security.”
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General.
