SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for broader international involvement in AI governance during a major conference held in Shanghai. He highlighted that AI should benefit populations worldwide, not just governments and corporations with the most resources. Guterres pointed out its increasing importance in sectors like health, education, agriculture, and employment. He also cautioned that unequal access could exacerbate existing disparities among nations and communities.
The UN leader noted that billions of individuals still lack dependable internet, sufficient computational capacity, and advanced technical expertise. He called for increased investments in digital infrastructure, trustworthy data, tools in local languages, and workforce training. Such investments would enable developing nations to develop AI solutions that enhance public services and align with national priorities. Over 20 countries, including China, have proposed centers for a UN-supported network aimed at building AI capacity.
Guterres announced plans to propose a Global Fund for AI to aid countries with fewer resources. He outlined three key areas for international collaboration: bolstering capabilities, establishing shared safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. He stressed the importance of uniform testing methods and common risk assessments rooted in human rights and international law. Moreover, he underscored that humans must retain control over decisions related to life and death.
Mutual Safeguards for AI Technologies
The secretary-general highlighted the critical need to shield children from unsafe AI applications. He stated that developers should demonstrate a system’s safety before allowing children to access it. Governments and tech firms should implement protections before AI products reach classrooms, homes, or public services. He also emphasized that each nation must play a role in shaping international regulations governing AI development and deployment.
AI’s environmental footprint is also increasing, with data centers, electricity consumption, and water use contributing to sustainability concerns. Guterres urged major technology firms to disclose the environmental impacts of their systems, including energy use, emissions, and water consumption. He called for these companies to transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 and to optimize data center efficiency. Governments should integrate renewable energy requirements for AI infrastructure into their national climate and energy strategies, he added.
Global Accessibility and Responsible Oversight
The United Nations has expanded its efforts in AI regulation through international dialogue and capacity-building initiatives. Member states created a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to facilitate cooperation among governments, academia, industry, and civil society. This platform promotes discussions on safety, equitable access, human oversight, and responsible innovation. Guterres emphasized that international standards must evolve rapidly to keep pace with technological advances while safeguarding rights and ensuring public accountability.
During the Shanghai event, Guterres connected issues of access, safety, and sustainability, framing them as intertwined elements of a global policy challenge. He pointed out that AI can advance healthcare, education, food security, and essential public services. However, its positive impact relies heavily on fair access to infrastructure, skills, and decision-making platforms. He urged governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing standards, investing in sustainable energy, and ensuring AI development benefits all regions.