SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for broader international involvement in AI governance during a prominent conference held in Shanghai. He stated that AI must benefit populations worldwide, not solely governments and corporations with the greatest resources. Guterres highlighted AI’s expanding influence in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and employment. He also cautioned that unequal access could exacerbate existing disparities between nations and communities.
The UN leader noted that billions of individuals still lack dependable internet, sufficient computing capabilities, and advanced technical expertise. He called for increased investments in digital infrastructure, trustworthy data, tools in local languages, and professional training. Such investments would enable developing nations to develop AI solutions that enhance public services and address national priorities. Over 20 countries, including China, have proposed centers for a UN-backed network aimed at building AI capacity.
Guterres announced plans to propose a Global Fund for AI to assist countries with limited resources. He outlined three key areas for international collaboration: enhancing capacity, establishing shared safety protocols, and reducing environmental impacts. He stressed the importance of compatible testing procedures and unified risk assessments grounded in human rights and international law. Additionally, he affirmed that human oversight must remain over decisions involving life and death.
Consensus on AI Safety Protocols
The secretary-general underscored the importance of safeguarding children from potentially dangerous AI tools. He insisted that developers should demonstrate the safety of a system before it is introduced to children. Governments and tech firms should implement protective measures before products reach classrooms, homes, or public institutions. He also emphasized that every nation should participate in shaping international standards for AI development and deployment.
AI’s environmental footprint is also increasing, driven by data centers, energy consumption, and water use. Guterres urged leading technology corporations to disclose the energy, emissions, and water impacts of their systems. He called for these companies to adopt renewable energy sources by 2030 and to enhance data center efficiency. Governments should incorporate clean energy requirements for AI infrastructure into their national climate and energy strategies, he added.
Ensuring Global Access and Responsible Oversight
The United Nations has expanded its efforts on AI governance through international dialogue and capacity-building initiatives. Member states have created a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to unite governments, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society. This platform facilitates discussions on safety, equitable access, human oversight, and responsible innovation. Guterres emphasized that global regulations must evolve swiftly to keep pace with technological advancements while safeguarding rights and ensuring public accountability.
During the Shanghai event, Guterres connected issues of access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected facets of a universal policy challenge. He highlighted that AI can drive improvements in healthcare, education, food security, and essential public services. However, its advantages rely heavily on fair access to infrastructure, skills development, and decision-making platforms. He called on governments and businesses to collaborate on establishing standards, investing in infrastructure, and promoting clean energy to ensure AI benefits all regions and populations.