In our ever-evolving world shaped by technology. In a significant move to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the greater benefit of humanity. The United Nations has made the AI Advisory Team. This body comprises a diverse assembly of experts drawn from different sectors including government, private enterprise, technology, civil society and academia. This body has a crucial mission: to assist the United Nations in studying the potential risks, opportunities and the international framework for governing AI technologies.
UN Secretary General António Guterres has drawn our attention to the remarkable advancements in AI capabilities over the past year. These strides encompass everything from chatbots and voice duplication to image creation and video applications. He emphasized the urgency of addressing AI’s impact especially as nations struggle with the consequences of climate change and face challenges in achieving sustainable development goals. Guterres firmly believes that AI can be a driving force in supercharging climate action and accelerating progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the year 2030.
The secretary-general envisions AI as a tool that can scale up and amplify the work of governments, civil society and the UN itself. This includes its potential for predicting and responding in times of crises. As well as facilitating the deployment of public health and educational services.
For developing countries, AI presents an incredible opportunity to bypass outdated technologies and provide services directly to those who need them most. However, realizing this potential is conditional on the responsible use of AI and ensuring that it is accessible to all. Presently, AI expertise is concentrated in a few selected companies and countries. This concentration could exacerbate global inequalities and widen the digital divide.
The risks associated with AI misuse are substantial and encompass the rapid dissemination of misinformation and disinformation, privacy violations and other violations on human rights. Malicious AI use could also erode trust in institutions, weaken social cohesion, and threaten democratic processes.
The AI Advisory Body comprises 39 experts from across the globe. With a deliberate focus on gender balance, geographic diversity, and representation across different generations. This diverse panel of experts is expected to provide recommendations by year-end in three crucial areas. These areas include international AI governance, a shared understanding of risks and identification of opportunities and implementors for leveraging AI to advance the realization of the SDGs. These recommendations will significantly contribute to the preparations for the upcoming Summit of the Future. Which is aimed at reaffirming our commitment to sustainable development, also negotiations related to the proposed Global Digital Compact.
Amandeep Singh Gill, the Secretary-General’s Representative on Technology highlights the need for experts to keep well-informed and effectively combat misinformation and disinformation. Given the frequent lag between AI advancements and global governance efforts. The experts on the Advisory Body bring together the latest insights into how technology impacts societies, economies and political landscapes. Their collective expertise is dignified to bridge the gap between technological progress and governance responses.
The work of the AI Advisory Body is the initial step towards more effective AI governance. As AI technologies continue to advance at a rapid pace. The Global Digital Compact offers an invaluable opportunity to incorporate sustainable, long-term perspectives. This ensures that we are well-prepared to respond to swift technological developments.
The introduction of the AI Advisory Body by the UN marks a significant commitment to harnessing the potential of AI for the greater good. It simultaneously addresses the challenges and risks associated with AI use. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives. Responsible and inclusive governance is paramount to ensure that AI benefits all of humanity.