The General Assembly is poised to vote on the inaugural United Nations resolution concerning artificial intelligence, with the aim of ensuring that this cutting-edge technology benefits all nations, upholds human rights, and is deemed 'safe, secure, and trustworthy.' The United States, serving as the resolution's sponsor, anticipates unanimous adoption by all 193 U.N. member nations.
The resolution, if passed, is hailed as a significant stride in promoting the safe utilization of AI. It seeks to establish a universal set of principles for AI development and usage, fostering global support for leveraging AI systems for societal good while managing associated risks.
Addressing the digital gap between affluent and developing nations, the resolution strives to ensure equitable participation in AI discussions and equip developing countries with the necessary technology to harness AI's benefits, such as disease detection, flood prediction, agricultural support, and workforce training.
Recognizing the rapid advancement of AI, the resolution underscores the critical need for a global consensus on safe and reliable AI systems. It acknowledges the evolving nature of AI governance, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing discussions on potential governance approaches.
Major tech corporations have generally endorsed AI regulation while advocating for rules that align with their interests. The European Union recently approved comprehensive AI regulations, set to take effect in the coming months, with other countries and international bodies also working on AI regulatory frameworks.
The U.S.-proposed resolution encourages a collaborative effort among nations, organizations, and various stakeholders to develop and endorse regulatory frameworks for secure AI systems. It cautions against improper or malicious AI system practices that contravene international law.
The resolution's primary objective is to leverage AI to advance progress towards the U.N.'s 2030 development goals, including eradicating global hunger and poverty, enhancing global health, ensuring quality education for all, and promoting gender equality.
The U.S. engaged in extensive negotiations with U.N. member states, investing significant time and effort to garner consensus support for the resolution. The resolution, which underwent multiple revisions, is seen as a pivotal step towards fostering safe and trustworthy AI on a global scale.
