UN Establishes High-Level Advisory Body on AI Governance to Drive SDG Progress
The United Nations has taken a significant step towards addressing the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence (AI) by establishing a new advisory body on AI governance. UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced the formation of the High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence to facilitate a global, multidisciplinary conversation on the responsible governance of AI.
During the launch of the High-Level Advisory Body, Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the tremendous advancements in AI capabilities witnessed over the past year. He highlighted the potential of AI to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, provided that these technologies are harnessed responsibly and made accessible to all. AI’s application spans a wide range of areas, including crisis prediction and response, public health services, education, and the opportunity for developing countries to overcome outdated technologies and directly provide services to their people.
While recognizing AI’s transformative potential, Guterres also cautioned about the concentration of AI expertise in a few companies and countries, which could exacerbate global inequalities and digital divides. He highlighted the potential harms associated with AI, including misinformation, bias, discrimination, privacy invasion, fraud, and other violations of human rights. The malicious use of AI could also undermine trust in institutions, weaken social cohesion, and threaten democracy itself.
The High-Level Advisory Body on AI will explore ways to connect various AI governance initiatives and will provide preliminary recommendations by the end of 2023 on leveraging AI to accelerate SDG delivery. The advisory body’s recommendations will contribute to preparations for the 2024 Summit of the Future and feed into negotiations for the proposed Global Digital Compact. Composed of 39 members, the advisory body is gender-balanced, geographically diverse, and spans generations. These members, who represent government, private sector, technology community, civil society, and academia, will serve in their personal capacity, consulting widely and transparently to ensure the inclusion of all stakeholder views.
The establishment of the High-Level Advisory Body on AI reflects the United Nations’ commitment to harness the benefits of AI while addressing potential risks, ensuring a responsible and inclusive approach to its governance. By leveraging the power of AI, the UN aims to accelerate progress towards the SDGs for the greater good of all.
