- A high-powered U.N. advisory body has released seven key recommendations intended to serve as a blueprint for ensuring that the transformative potential of AI is shared globally and equitably.
- The advisory board also called on the UN to establish a “global AI capacity development network” aimed at providing computing resources and AI datasets to researchers globally.
OUR TAKE
The proposal for a “global AI capacity development network” aims to provide essential resources and datasets to researchers worldwide, addressing disparities in access. Emphasising adherence to international human rights law ensures ethical considerations remain paramount. Additionally, the idea of a global AI fund, supported by public and private contributions, seeks to create a sustainable funding model. Overall, this initiative could pave the way for a more equitable AI landscape, with the upcoming Summit of the Future potentially serving as a pivotal moment for these proposals.
-Tacy Ding, BTW reporter
What happened
The UN’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI (HLAB-AI) stated on Thursday that global governance of artificial intelligence is “imperative” and urged the United Nations to establish the first inclusive global institutions to regulate this rapidly growing technology.
In a 100-page report, the group highlighted that AI “is transforming our world,” offering immense potential for good, from opening new areas of science and accelerating economic growth to improving public health, agriculture, and optimising energy grids.
However, it warned that if left ungoverned, AI’s benefits could be confined to a few countries, companies, and individuals, while even more powerful systems could disrupt the world of work, create autonomous weapons, and pose risks to peace and security.
The advisory body outlined principles to guide the formation of new institutions for AI governance, including adherence to international law, particularly human rights law. It calls on all governments and stakeholders involved in AI to collaborate in protecting human rights.
Also read: 4 essential components of a successful governance framework
Also read: Singapore minister emphasises the necessity of world AI framework
Why it’s important
The report was issued ahead of the Summit of the Future, starting Sunday, which Guterres has convened to try to unite the world’s divided nations and address the challenges and threats facing humanity, including conflicts, climate change, artificial intelligence, and the need for reform within the U.N.
The advisory board also urged the UN to establish a “global AI capacity development network” to provide computing resources and AI datasets to researchers worldwide.
In addition to the network, the experts recommended that the UN establish a global AI fund to invest in computing resources and models, providing countries with access to “AI enablers” and helping to bridge the AI divide.
The proposed AI fund would be supported by financial contributions from both public and private sources and would be managed by an independent governance structure.
The report states, “Only global collective action can incentivise interoperability, stewardship, privacy preservation, empowerment, and rights enhancement.”
