BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. UN Secretary-General
António Guterres has called for broader international cooperation
in artificial intelligence governance, emphasizing that AI
development should benefit all countries and contribute to reducing
global inequalities.
This is mentioned in the statement, published by the UN,
following the World Artificial Intelligence Conference
Meteorological Forum in Shanghai.
Speaking at the event, Guterres said artificial intelligence
could become one of humanity’s greatest opportunities in the 21st
century, while also warning about the risks associated with unequal
access to technology. "Artificial intelligence can be humanity's
greatest opportunity in the 21st century. It could also become one
of its greatest risks," the UN chief said.
Guterres welcomed the establishment of the World Artificial
Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WICO), describing it as a
continuation of efforts to promote international cooperation in AI
governance. He stressed that technologies shaping the future of
humanity should involve all countries in decision-making processes.
"Technology that will shape the future of humanity must be shaped
by all humanity. It cannot be governed by a handful of countries,
or a handful of companies. Every nation needs a seat at the table,"
Guterres said. The UN secretary-general highlighted AI’s potential
contribution to sustainable development, noting that the technology
could support advances in healthcare, education, agriculture,
industrial development and job creation.
At the same time, he warned that unequal access to digital
infrastructure, computing capacity and technical expertise could
deepen existing global disparities. "AI risks pushing the world
towards even greater inequalities – greater divides in income, in
opportunity, in security, greater gaps between North and South. We
cannot let that happen," Guterres said.
He outlined three key priorities for ensuring that all countries
benefit from AI development: expanding capacity-building
opportunities, strengthening safety standards, and ensuring
environmental sustainability.
According to Guterres, developing countries should receive
support in building their own AI capabilities, including access to
computing resources, training and technologies adapted to local
needs.
He also called for international approaches to AI safety,
including common standards for risk assessment and accountability,
while emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights.
"Humans must keep control over every life-and-death decision. And
no AI system should be put in a child's hand before it has been
proven safe," he said.
Addressing environmental concerns, Guterres urged major AI
companies to disclose the full environmental impact of their
systems and transition to renewable energy sources. The UN chief
noted that AI governance should become a platform for partnership
and solidarity, ensuring that technological transformation creates
opportunities for all nations rather than widening existing
divides.
