United Nations Embarks on Historic Vote for First AI Resolution
The United Nations General Assembly is taking a move that could shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide. It is poised to vote on a groundbreaking resolution this Thursday. The proposed resolution, the first of its kind, seeks to harness the potential of AI technology while ensuring it benefits all nations, respects human rights, and remains "safe, secure, and trustworthy."
12:12 PM EDT, March 21, 2024
Sponsored by the United States, the resolution represents a hopeful stride towards unanimous global support. It aims for adoption by consensus of all 193 U.N. member nations. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan heralded the resolution as a "historic step forward," emphasizing its role in establishing a global foundation for the responsible development and utilization of AI.
The draft resolution outlines an ambitious vision to bridge the digital divide between affluent and developing countries, ensuring equitable participation in AI discourse and access to its benefits. The resolution recognizes AI's transformative potential across sectors, from disease detection and flood prediction to agricultural advancement and workforce training.
However, the resolution emerges against a backdrop of increasing challenges, notably the proliferation of AI deepfakes, which complicate the distinction between reality and fabrication online. This phenomenon underscores the urgency of establishing robust AI governance frameworks.
Highlighting the rapid evolution of AI technology, the draft calls for immediate global consensus on creating "safe, secure and trustworthy" AI systems. It also acknowledges the need for continuous dialogue on AI governance, reflecting the dynamic nature of AI's role in society.
The initiative has garnered broad support from major technology firms, albeit to shape regulations to their advantage. This comes as regions like the European Union finalize comprehensive AI rules, setting a precedent for global regulatory efforts. Countries including the U.S. and China and groups like the G20 are actively exploring AI regulation.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield underscored the resolution’s significance, highlighting its potential to foster a unified approach to AI development and use in alignment with the U.N.’s broader goals for 2030. As the General Assembly gears up for the vote, the world watches closely, anticipating a pivotal moment in the international governance of artificial intelligence.
The draft resolution seeks to address AI's immediate challenges and leverage the technology in pursuit of the U.N.’s 2030 development goals. It emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights and freedoms throughout the AI lifecycle by promoting access to digital transformation and safe AI systems, especially for developing nations.
In preparation for the vote, the U.S. engaged in extensive negotiations with U.N. member states, incorporating input from 120 countries into several resolution drafts. Achieving consensus support last week, the resolution stands as a testament to collaborative global efforts to shape the future of AI.
Sources: ABC; CNN; Reuters
