UN Chief Urges Swift AI Governance with Global Panel of Experts
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the urgent establishment of a global panel of experts to govern the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at the United Nations, Guterres emphasized the need to address the risks and opportunities posed by AI and its impact on various sectors, including public health, education, and climate change. He cautioned against the potential harms of AI, such as misinformation, bias, discrimination, privacy invasion, fraud, and human rights violations. Guterres stressed the importance of responsible harnessing of this groundbreaking technology.
Highlighting the concentration of AI technologies in a few companies and countries, Guterres emphasized the need for effective governance to prevent AI from undermining trust in institutions, weakening social cohesion, and threatening democracy. To address these challenges, he has selected a diverse group of about 40 experts in technology, law, and personal data protection, representing academia, government, and the private sector, who will serve on the global panel.
The panel includes experts such as Amandeep Singh Gill, the Secretary-General’s special envoy for technology; James Manyika, vice president in charge of AI at Google and Alphabet; Mira Murati, technical director of ChatGPT developer OpenAI; and Omar al-Olama, the Minister of AI in the United Arab Emirates. Guterres has urged the panel to work swiftly and make recommendations on AI governance by the end of 2023.
This call for a global panel of experts reflects the growing recognition of the need for AI governance to ensure its responsible and ethical use. Governments, organizations, and individuals are increasingly concerned about the potential implications of AI and the need to align its development with human rights, equality, and societal values. As AI continues to advance at a rapid pace, it is crucial to establish frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in its deployment.
The establishment of this global panel of experts marks a significant step toward addressing the challenges and risks associated with AI. By bringing together expertise from diverse backgrounds, the panel aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations on AI governance. As the use of AI becomes increasingly prevalent in various sectors, it is imperative that we prioritize responsible and ethical AI deployment to ensure a positive global impact.
In conclusion, the call by UN Chief Antonio Guterres for the swift establishment of a global panel of experts on AI governance reflects the need to address the risks and opportunities of this groundbreaking technology. The panel’s recommendations will play a crucial role in shaping the responsible and ethical use of AI, ensuring that it benefits humanity while minimizing potential harms. As AI continues to advance, global cooperation and governance are essential to navigate the challenges and harness its transformative potential for a better future.
