UN Appoints DRF Founder to High-Level Advisory Board on AI Governance
Nighat Dad, the Executive Director of the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF), has been appointed to the high-level advisory board on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The board, consisting of 39 accomplished experts from around the world, will focus on addressing global governance issues surrounding AI. Recommendations on international AI governance, generative AI, and the risks associated with AI technologies are expected to be released by the end of the year.
The board will also explore opportunities to utilize AI for the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dad’s appointment was announced by the UN’s Pakistan chapter, which applauded her inclusion in the board and highlighted the importance of her perspective in the discussions.
Dad expressed her honor in serving on the advisory board and emphasized the significance of recognizing potential human rights issues that may affect marginalized communities worldwide as AI technologies advance. Her goal is to address real-time threats and vulnerabilities faced by these communities while promoting global AI governance.
Dad further stated that it is positive to include the perspectives of countries like Pakistan and the global majority in the deliberations on AI governance. This ensures that the conversation is not dominated solely by the Global North or white individuals, but also considers the realities and challenges faced by different regions and countries.
UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the transformative potential of AI in achieving the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. He stressed the need for responsible AI governance and accessibility for developing countries.
The high-level advisory board is expected to be gender-balanced, geographically diverse, and representative of different generations. With deep experience across government, business, technology, civil society, and academia, the board members bring a range of perspectives to the task at hand.
In summary, Nighat Dad’s appointment to the UN’s high-level advisory board on AI governance reflects the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping global AI policies. The board aims to address governance issues, risks, and opportunities associated with AI technologies while working towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
