Key Highlights :
Bridging Digital Divides: The resolution emphasizes the need to bridge the AI and other digital divides both between and within countries.
Safe and Trustworthy AI: The General Assembly recognizes the potential of AI to address existential challenges and create positive impact
Governance and Human Rights: The resolution calls for responsible governance of AI technology.
Introduction
The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution titled “Seizing the Opportunities of Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Systems for Sustainable Development.” This landmark resolution underlines the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing global good and accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems, the international community aims to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital transformation. Over 120 countries collaborated to craft this resolution, cementing a global consensus on AI governance. The goal is to maximize AI’s potential while safeguarding against misuse.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted the significance of the resolution. She expressed hope that the inclusive and constructive dialogue leading to this resolution would serve as a model for addressing AI challenges in various contexts, including peace, security, and responsible military use of AI autonomy. Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that the resolution complements existing UN efforts, including those by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UNESCO, and the Human Rights Council. Furthermore, it aligns with future UN initiatives, such as negotiations for a global digital compact and the work of the Secretary-General’s high-level advisory body on artificial intelligence.
Responsible AI Governance
AI is already being utilised in almost all the sectors for various significant purposes including early disease detection, disaster preparedness, and environmental protection. The resolution calls for responsible governance of AI technology. The Assembly also urged all States, the private sector, civil society, research organizations and the media, to develop and support regulatory and governance approaches and frameworks related to safe, secure and trustworthy use of AI.
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the dual role of the international community in governing AI technology. She urged that AI should be developed and deployed with a focus on humanity, dignity, safety, security, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. Additionally, she called for collective efforts to bridge digital gaps across nations and leverage AI to advance sustainable development goals.
Safeguarding Human Rights in Digital Space
The resolution emphasizes that AI should serve humanity and not undermine peace, human rights, or democratic processes. The Assembly urged all Member States and other participants “to refrain from or cease the use of artificial intelligence systems that are impossible to operate in compliance with international human rights law or that pose undue risks to the enjoyment of human rights.” “The same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, including throughout the life cycle of artificial intelligence systems,” it affirmed.
Implications
- Political Integrity: As more than half of the world’s population elects leaders, AI-generated content can impact political debates. Ensuring its integrity is crucial.
- Sustainable Development: AI can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving healthcare, disaster response, and environmental conservation.
In adopting this resolution, the UN General Assembly reaffirms its commitment to leveraging AI for the benefit of all, while safeguarding human rights and global security. Let us embrace AI’s potential while upholding our shared values and aspirations for a better world.
References
(1) Draft of the Resolution – https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/ltd/n24/065/92/pdf/n2406592.pdf?token=GfaCGCJctShn7kSUXy&fe=true
(2) General Assembly Adopts Landmark Resolution on Steering Artificial https://press.un.org/en/2024/ga12588.doc.htm.
(3) General Assembly adopts landmark resolution on artificial intelligence https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147831
(4) Artificial Intelligence Briefing: UN Unanimously Adopts Landmark AI https://www.faegredrinker.com/en/insights/publications/2024/3/artificial-intelligence-briefing-un-unanimously-adopts-landmark-ai-resolution.