SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for broader international involvement in the governance of artificial intelligence during a key conference held in Shanghai. He highlighted that AI must benefit populations worldwide, not just governments and corporations with vast resources. Guterres pointed out its increasing influence on sectors like health, education, agriculture, and employment. He also issued a warning that unequal access might exacerbate existing disparities between nations and communities.
The UN leader noted that billions of individuals still lack dependable internet, sufficient computing capabilities, and advanced technical expertise. He called for increased funding in digital infrastructure, trustworthy data, tools supporting local languages, and professional development. Such investments would enable developing nations to develop AI solutions that enhance public services and align with national priorities. Over 20 countries, including China, have proposed establishing centers for a UN-backed network dedicated to building AI capacity.
Guterres announced plans to propose a Global Fund for AI aimed at assisting countries with limited resources. He outlined three main areas for international collaboration: enhancing capacity, establishing shared safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. He advocated for consistent testing procedures and unified risk assessments grounded in human rights and international law. He also stressed that human oversight must remain central in decisions involving life and death.
Collaborative Safeguards for AI Technologies
The Secretary-General underscored the importance of protecting children from unsafe AI applications. He stated that developers should demonstrate a system’s safety before making it accessible to children. Governments and tech firms should implement safeguards prior to introducing products into classrooms, homes, or public services. He further emphasized that every nation has a role in shaping international regulations governing AI development and deployment.
Artificial intelligence also poses increasing environmental challenges, including energy consumption, water usage, and data center emissions. Guterres urged leading technology firms to disclose the environmental impacts of their AI systems. He called on these companies to transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 and to enhance data center efficiency. Additionally, he recommended that governments incorporate clean energy requirements for AI infrastructure into their national climate and energy strategies.
Global Inclusivity and Responsible Oversight
The United Nations has expanded its efforts in AI regulation through international dialogue and capacity-building initiatives. Member states have established a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to unite governments, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society. This platform fosters discussions on safety, equitable access, human oversight, and responsible innovation. Guterres emphasized that international rules must evolve swiftly to match technological advances while safeguarding human rights and ensuring accountability.
During the Shanghai event, Guterres linked the issues of access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected components of a global policy challenge. He expressed that AI can advance progress in healthcare, education, food security, and essential public services. However, realizing these benefits requires fair access to infrastructure, skills, and decision-making platforms. He urged governments and corporations to collaborate on setting standards, making investments, and promoting clean energy to ensure AI benefits people universally across all regions.