In a recent interview with TASS, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres highlighted the organization’s success in uniting nations for the governance of artificial intelligence (AI). Guterres expressed his satisfaction in being able to bring together representatives from governments, academia, companies, and civil society to reach an agreement on a global level. This achievement is significant, as it is rare to see such a diverse group of nations come together on a central issue of our time.
Guterres emphasized that the UN’s power lies in its ability to unite people of goodwill and operate according to the values that created the organization. He acknowledged the limited dimensions of global governance, recognizing that many aspects of AI governance will be handled on a country-by-country basis. However, the UN’s role in facilitating the collaboration among countries and establishing a framework for AI governance cannot be understated.
“The Secretary General of the United Nations has very little power, not as the power of a head of state or an important company, and not much money. But there are two things that the Secretary General of the United Nations has: one is a voice. But that voice is only important if that voice is faithful to the United Nations Charter, to international law. And that voice is at the service of those who are underprivileged in this world, those who are victims of inequality in this world,” Guterres explained.
The UN Secretary General’s ability to bring together people from various backgrounds and perspectives to focus on the challenges of our time is commendable. His efforts in creating a space for collaboration and ensuring that the voices of the underprivileged are heard are crucial in building a future where AI serves as a force for good rather than a problem for the world.
It is important to note that the UN’s success in uniting nations for AI governance does not imply a one-size-fits-all approach. Each country will have its own capacities and policies to address AI governance. However, the global framework established by the UN provides a foundation for countries to work from and learn from each other’s experiences.
As AI continues to advance and impact various sectors of society, including healthcare, finance, and transportation, it is crucial that global governance structures are in place to ensure ethical and responsible development and use. The UN’s efforts in bringing together nations for AI governance exemplify a commitment to addressing the challenges of our time and creating a future where AI is a force for good.
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