United Nations (UN) Resolution on AI

United Nations (UN) Resolution on AI | First global artificial intelligence resolution

A historic resolution on the creation of "safe, secure, and trustworthy" artificial intelligence (AI) systems that would also advance universal sustainable development was adopted by the UN General Assembly on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

A first of its kind resolution recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence to expedite the transition to sustainable development was unanimously adopted by the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday. The resolution also emphasized the need for safe, secure, and reliable AI systems.

The program, spearheaded by the US, aims to balance the benefits of AI with its associated concerns. The Assembly also emphasized the respect, protection, and advancement of human rights in the design, development, deployment, and use of AI by adopting a draft resolution led by the United States without a vote.Over 120 additional Member States "co-sponsored" or supported the wording.The potential of AI systems to facilitate and expedite the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals was also acknowledged by the General Assembly.

Artificial Intelligence 

This is the first time the Assembly has voted in favor of a resolution governing the newly formed field. According to reports earlier this month, the US National Security Advisor stated that the adoption would mark a "historic step forward" for the responsible application of AI.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated, "As the U.N. and AI finally come together today, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to choose as one united global community to govern this technology rather than to let it govern us." "Therefore, let us reiterate that artificial intelligence will be developed and applied with humanity, dignity, safety, and security, as well as human rights and fundamental freedoms, in mind."

China was one of the 123 co-sponsors of the paper, and the Biden administration said that it took more than three months to negotiate what it called a "baseline set of principles" around AI, interacting with 120 nations and taking their input into consideration. Resolutions passed by the General Assembly represent the political will of the world community even though they are not legally obligatory.

United Nations 

The resolution acknowledges the gaps in wealthy and developing nations' technical advancement and emphasizes the need to close the digital divide so that everyone has equitable access to AI's advantages. It also describes steps for responsible AI governance, such as creating frameworks for regulations, launching programs to increase capacity, and assisting with R&D. With an emphasis on achieving sustainable development objectives, the resolution promotes international cooperation to handle the changing opportunities and challenges presented by AI technology.

The resolution's passage was applauded by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who stated that a shared set of guidelines governing the use of AI systems must govern all countries. "In previous technological revolutions, the benefits have not been distributed fairly, and a disproportionate number of people have suffered harm," the statement reads. "With the help of this resolution, every nation can take advantage of AI's potential while also managing its risks."

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced alarm about the possibility of unexpected effects with "every new iteration of generative AI" during the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, Switzerland, in January. It has "enormous potential" for sustainable development, but it also has the ability to exacerbate inequality, according to him. He said at the time, "And some powerful tech companies are already pursuing profits with a clear disregard for personal privacy, human rights, and social impact."

Artificial Intelligence 

An AI advisory committee chaired by the UN chief was established last year, and it will release its final report in time for the September UN Summit of the Future. 

equivalent rights both online and off:

"To refrain from or cease the use of artificial intelligence systems that are impossible to operate in compliance with international human rights law or that pose undue risks to the enjoyment of human rights," the Assembly called on all Member States and stakeholders.

It stated that "people's rights, as they exist offline, must also be safeguarded online, including during the development of artificial intelligence systems."

Additionally, the Assembly called on all States, businesses, civil society, research institutions, and the media to create and promote frameworks and approaches for governance and regulations pertaining to the safe, secure, and reliable use of artificial intelligence.

Reducing the Gap in Digital Access 

The Assembly also acknowledged that countries had "varying levels" of technical progress, and that developing nations have particular difficulties in keeping up with the quick speed of invention.

It called on stakeholders and Member States to work together and assist developing nations in order to reduce the digital divide, promote greater digital literacy, and enable them to enjoy inclusive and equal access.

Optimism For Other Fields 

The draft resolution was introduced by US Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who spoke prior to its passage.

"I hope that future conversations on AI challenges in other arenas, like peace and security and responsible military use of AI autonomy," will follow the inclusive and constructive dialogue that resulted in this resolution, she said.

The resolution, according to Ms. Thomas-Greenfield, was created to strengthen the work that the UN, the Human Rights Council, and the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are already doing.

"We want it to support future UN efforts, such as the work of the Secretary-General's high-level advisory body on artificial intelligence and negotiations toward a global digital compact," she stated.

We Control Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Additionally, Ms. Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that it is the global community's duty and chance "to govern this technology rather than let it govern us."

She remarked, "Let us therefore reiterate that AI will be developed and applied with humanity and dignity, safety and security, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in mind."

"Let's make a commitment to reducing the digital divide both within and between countries and leveraging this technology to further common goals related to sustainable development."