What It Means: The United Nations General Assembly's Approval of AI Governance Resolution and Its Implications
On March 21, the United Nations General Assembly approved a pioneering resolution titled "Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development." It is the first ever standalone resolution at the UN that establishes a global consensus regarding AI governance. This event marks an important moment in our collective endeavor to leverage the potential of AI, and in this post, I’ll explore the key facets of the resolution and its implications for the future.
The resolution not only underscores AI's potential to advance progress towards the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals but also emphasizes the need for safeguards to prevent the exacerbation of inequalities and human rights violations. A framework around how AI should be deployed must be agreed upon by the international community, as the challenges it presents cannot neatly fit within the boundaries of any particular nation. In addition, by not coming to a global consensus on a framework, we run the risk that certain countries will disregard ethical considerations in a technological race to dominate the AI field, and other countries will either follow in suit so as to keep up, or stagnate in their technological development in comparison to the more cavalier nations. It is encouraging that an agreed upon framework now exists at the UN level.
Inclusivity lies at the heart of the resolution's approach to AI governance. By calling for collaboration among the private and public sectors, nations’ governments, and international organizations, it recognizes the necessity of diverse stakeholder involvement in crafting regulatory frameworks. This inclusive approach is vital for addressing bias and striving for fairness in AI deployment. In addition, the resolution acknowledges that developing countries face unique challenges in the AI landscape due to the already existing digital divide. It prioritizes technology transfer, capacity building, and equitable access to AI, emphasizing the importance of supporting these nations in realizing the benefits of digital transformation in order to prevent their marginalization in this burgeoning technological era.
The resolution demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the tradeoffs inherent in AI's transformative capabilities. It advocates for AI development aligned with global values, stressing the importance of “human-centric, reliable, explainable, ethical, inclusive, in full respect, promotion and protection of human rights and international law, privacy preserving, sustainable development oriented, and responsible.”
Although many bemoan the ineffectiveness of the UN in many respects, it still serves as a reflection of global consensus or lack thereof on certain issues, signaling where the international community stands in its priorities. Moving forward, it is imperative for UN member nations and stakeholders to implement its recommendations. By establishing a framework that serves as a precedent for balancing innovation with ethics and prioritizes inclusivity, we are hopefully paving the way for responsible AI to serve humanity's interests.