SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for broader international involvement in AI governance at a major summit in Shanghai. He highlighted that AI should benefit populations worldwide, not just governments and corporations with the most resources. Guterres noted its increasing influence on sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and employment. He also cautioned that unequal access might deepen existing disparities among nations and communities.
The UN leader pointed out that billions still lack dependable internet, sufficient computing capabilities, and advanced technical expertise. He called for increased investment in digital infrastructure, trustworthy data, tools in local languages, and professional training. Such initiatives would enable developing nations to develop AI solutions that enhance public services and align with their national priorities. More than 20 countries, including China, have nominated centers for a UN-backed network aimed at building AI capacity.
Guterres announced plans to propose a Global Fund for AI to assist countries with limited resources. He outlined three key areas for international collaboration: enhancing capacity, establishing shared safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. He advocated for compatible testing procedures and unified risk assessments grounded in human rights and international law. He also stressed that human oversight must remain central in decisions concerning life and death.
Unified protections for AI technologies
The secretary-general emphasized the importance of safeguarding children from potentially harmful AI tools. He stated that developers should demonstrate a system’s safety before it is introduced to children. Governments and tech firms should implement safeguards prior to products reaching classrooms, homes, or public institutions. He also asserted that each nation has a role in shaping international regulations for AI development and deployment.
AI’s environmental footprint is also rising, with concerns over data centers, electricity consumption, and water usage. Guterres urged major technology companies to disclose the energy, emissions, and water impacts of their systems. He called for a transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 and for improved efficiency in data centers. Governments should incorporate clean energy requirements for AI infrastructure into their climate and energy strategies, he added.
Universal access and responsible oversight
The United Nations has expanded its efforts in AI governance through international dialogue and capacity-building initiatives. Member states formed a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to unite governments, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society. The platform encourages discussions on safety, access, human oversight, and ethical development. Guterres stated that international rules must evolve rapidly to match technological advances while safeguarding rights and ensuring public accountability.
During the Shanghai summit, Guterres connected issues of access, safety, and sustainability as intertwined aspects of a global policy challenge. He expressed that AI can advance healthcare, education, food security, and vital public services. However, its positive impact hinges on equitable access to infrastructure, skills, and decision-making platforms. He urged governments and private entities to collaborate on setting standards, making investments, and adopting clean energy solutions so that AI benefits all regions equally.