The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday adopted a historic resolution on promoting “safe, secure and trustworthy” artificial intelligence (AI) systems that will also benefit sustainable development for all.
By adopting without a vote a draft resolution submitted by the United States, the General Assembly also emphasized the respect, protection and promotion of human rights in the design, development, deployment and use of AI. Tweet URL The text was “co-sponsored” or supported by more than 120 other member states. The general assembly also recognized the potential of AI systems to accelerate and enable progress towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This is the first time that the Assembly has adopted a resolution on the regulation of this emerging area. The US National Security Advisor reportedly said earlier this month that adoption of the text would represent a “historic step forward” for the safe use of AI.
Same rights, online and offline
The General Assembly called on all Member States and stakeholders “to refrain from or cease using artificial intelligence systems that are impossible to operate in accordance with international human rights law or that pose undue risks to enjoyment of human rights.” “The same rights that people enjoy offline must also be protected online, including throughout the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems,” she says.
The Assembly also urged all States, the private sector, civil society, research organizations and the media to develop and support regulatory and governance approaches and frameworks related to the safe, secure and reliable use of AI Bridging the digital divide. The general assembly further recognized “varying levels” of technological development between and within countries, and noted that developing countries face unique challenges in keeping up with the rapid pace of innovation.
She urged Member States and stakeholders to cooperate with and support developing countries so that they can benefit from inclusive and equitable access, reduce the digital divide and increase digital literacy.
Artificial intelligence can help combat climate change and support progress towards all SDGs.
Hope for other sectors
Speaking before adoption, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN, introduced the draft resolution. She expressed hope that “the inclusive and constructive dialogue that led to this resolution would serve as a model for future conversations on AI challenges in other areas, for example with regard to peace and security and responsible military use of AI autonomy.”
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield noted that the resolution aims to amplify work already being done by the UN, including the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) and the United Nations Human Rights Council.
“We hope this will complement future UN initiatives, including negotiations towards a global digital compact and the work of the Secretary-General’s high-level advisory body on artificial intelligence,” he said. she says.
AI governance.
Ms. Thomas-Greenfield also highlighted the opportunity and responsibility of the international community “to govern this technology rather than letting it govern us.”
“Let us therefore reaffirm that AI will be created and deployed with humanity and dignity, safety and security, human rights and fundamental freedoms in mind,” she said. . “Let us commit to closing the digital divide within and between nations and to using this technology to advance shared sustainable development priorities.”
