NAIROBI, Kenya- The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to reshape our world, but without global cooperation, it could also deepen existing inequalities.
That was the urgent message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who addressed an international forum on AI capacity building in Shanghai, China, on Tuesday.
Guterres emphasized the importance of sharing AI’s transformative potential across borders, warning that the current concentration of AI capabilities in a few powerful companies and countries could exacerbate global disparities.
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a technological marvel; it’s a tool that could accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many of which are currently off track. However, the benefits of AI are not evenly distributed. “Too many countries face significant challenges in accessing AI tools,” Guterres noted, highlighting the need for international cooperation to bridge this gap.
The Secretary-General underscored that AI’s potential for driving sustainable development makes global collaboration all the more crucial.
As the world grapples with complex issues like climate change, poverty, and healthcare, AI could play a pivotal role in crafting solutions—if it’s accessible to all.
“To truly harness AI’s potential, we need international cooperation and solidarity,” Guterres stated, calling for a unified approach to ensure that AI benefits everyone, not just the privileged few.
But it’s not just the benefits that are unevenly distributed—the risks are too. Without proper safeguards, AI could widen digital divides and disproportionately impact the most vulnerable populations.
Guterres warned that the lack of “adequate guardrails” could result in AI technologies exacerbating existing inequalities rather than alleviating them.
The upcoming Summit of the Future, where global leaders are expected to endorse a new Global Digital Compact, offers a crucial opportunity to establish inclusive governance of AI.
This compact could lay the foundation for ensuring that AI is developed and used in ways that benefit all of humanity, rather than just a select few.
Looking ahead, the UN is actively working on strategies to ensure that AI’s development is inclusive and equitable.
The High-level Advisory Body on AI is set to release its final report this month, which will include recommendations such as establishing an AI Capacity Development Network and creating a Global AI Fund for SDGs.
These initiatives aim to build local AI ecosystems and ensure that AI’s benefits reach every corner of the globe.
As Guterres continues his official visit to China, where he will participate in the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, he remains focused on fostering global collaboration in AI.
