SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for broader international involvement in the oversight of artificial intelligence during a major gathering in Shanghai. He highlighted that AI must benefit populations worldwide, not just governments and corporations with extensive resources. Guterres underscored its increasing influence in sectors like health, education, agriculture and employment. He also cautioned that uneven access could exacerbate existing disparities between nations and communities.
The UN leader pointed out that billions of people still lack dependable internet connectivity, sufficient computing capabilities, and advanced technical expertise. He called for increased investment in digital infrastructure, trustworthy data, tools supporting local languages, and professional development. These investments would enable developing nations to develop AI solutions that enhance public services and align with national goals. Over 20 countries, including China, have proposed centers for a UN-backed network dedicated to building AI capacity.
Guterres announced plans to submit proposals for a Global Fund for AI aimed at assisting nations with limited resources. He outlined three key areas for international collaboration: enhancing capacity, establishing shared safety protocols, and reducing environmental impacts. He advocated for standardized testing procedures and uniform risk assessments based on human rights and international legal standards. He also emphasized that humans must retain authority over decisions involving life and death.
Unified protections for AI technologies
The secretary-general stressed the importance of safeguarding children from unsafe AI applications. He stated that developers should demonstrate the safety of a system before it is used by children. Governments and tech firms should implement protective measures before products are introduced into classrooms, homes, or public services. Additionally, he asserted that all nations should play a role in shaping international regulations governing AI development and deployment.
AI’s environmental footprint is also growing, driven by energy consumption in data centers, electricity use, and water requirements. Guterres urged leading technology companies to disclose the energy, emissions, and water impacts of their systems. He called on them to transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 and to enhance data center efficiency. Governments should incorporate clean energy strategies for AI infrastructure into their national climate and energy plans, he added.
Ensuring global access and responsible governance
The United Nations has broadened its efforts in AI governance through international dialogue and capacity-building initiatives. Member states established a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to facilitate cooperation among governments, researchers, industry players, and civil society. The initiative aims to promote discussions on safety, equitable access, human oversight, and responsible innovation. Guterres emphasized that global standards must evolve swiftly to keep pace with technological advances while safeguarding rights and ensuring accountability.
During the Shanghai event, Guterres connected the issues of access, safety, and sustainability as components of a unified global policy challenge. He highlighted AI’s potential to advance healthcare, education, food security, and essential public services. However, he warned that realizing these benefits depends on fair access to infrastructure, skills, and decision-making platforms. He urged governments and industry leaders to collaborate on establishing standards, increasing investments, and promoting clean energy to ensure AI benefits all regions worldwide.