“AI capacity is currently concentrated in a small number of powerful companies – and even fewer countries. Meanwhile, too many countries face significant challenges in accessing AI tools,” António Guterres speak an artificial intelligence capacity building forum in Shanghai, China.
Closing that gap is all the more important given AI’s potential for sustainable growth. With many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) fall short, artificial intelligence could help salvage the development agenda.
“To truly unlock the potential of AI, we need international cooperation – and solidarityMr. Guterres added.
Risks are not equal either.
The UN chief also stressed that the benefits of AI are unevenly distributed, as are the risks.
“Without adequate safeguards, AI could exacerbate inequality and the digital divide, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable,” he warned.
“We must seize this historic opportunity to lay the foundations for comprehensive AI governance – for the benefit of all humanity.“
Unique opportunity
Mr. Guterres notes what’s ahead Summit of the Futurewhere Governments are expected to adopt a new Global Digital Compact, as a key forum to achieve that goal.
He also stressed the efforts underway across the United Nations system.
For example, in its final report this month, the United Nations High-Level Advisory Body on AI is expected to outline a series of recommendations, including the establishment of an AI Capacity Development Network, the establishment of a Global AI Fund for the Sustainable Development Goals, and the development of a Global Data Framework for local AI ecosystems.
Secretary-General António Guterres meets with Chen Jining, Communist Party Secretary of Shanghai, China.
Official visit to China
The Secretary-General is on an official visit to China, where he will attend the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, in Beijing on Thursday morning (local time).
He will also meet with senior government officials as well as United Nations offices and agencies in the country.
Over the weekend, Mr Guterres was in Singapore, where he met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and other senior officials.
