The United States is spearheading the drafting of the first-ever United Nations resolution on artificial intelligence (AI), with the primary goal of ensuring its safety, security, and trustworthiness on a global scale. This initiative aims to address the digital divide among nations and ensure equal access to AI technology, particularly for developing countries. The resolution emphasizes the urgency of achieving consensus on principles governing AI systems and recognizes the evolving nature of AI governance, prompting further discussions on governance approaches.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan underscores the significance of initiating a global dialogue on managing the implications of AI technology. The resolution, supported by input from 120 nations, represents a historic step toward fostering safe and secure AI systems worldwide. It seeks to establish a baseline set of principles for AI development while managing associated risks effectively.
The drafting process involved extensive negotiations with all 193 United Nations member states and garnered consensus support from all parties involved. While General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they serve as a crucial indicator of global opinion. The resolution aims to leverage AI to advance progress toward achieving the United Nations’ development goals for 2030, including addressing global hunger, poverty, health disparities, and education quality.
The resolution encourages collaboration among countries, international organizations, technical communities, civil society, and other stakeholders to develop regulatory frameworks and governance approaches for safe AI systems. It emphasizes the importance of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the lifecycle of AI systems and cautions against improper or malicious AI deployment inconsistent with international law. This initiative reflects the profound implications of AI technology and underscores the commitment to fostering trust and security in AI systems worldwide.
