SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of broader international engagement in artificial intelligence regulation during a prominent conference held in Shanghai. He highlighted that AI should benefit populations worldwide, not just the entities with the most resources, such as governments and corporations. Guterres highlighted AI’s increasing influence in sectors like health, education, agriculture, and employment. He also cautioned that unequal access could deepen existing disparities among nations and communities.
The UN leader pointed out that billions of individuals still lack dependable internet, sufficient computing capacity, and advanced technical expertise. He called for increased investments in digital infrastructure, reliable data, tools supporting local languages, and professional training programs. Such efforts would enable developing countries to develop AI solutions that enhance public services and national development goals. Over 20 nations, including China, have proposed establishing centers for a UN-backed network dedicated to building AI capacity.
Guterres announced plans to submit proposals for a Global Fund for AI to assist nations with limited resources. He identified three main areas for international collaboration: strengthening capabilities, establishing common safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. He advocated for uniform testing procedures and risk assessments grounded in human rights and international law. He also emphasized that humans must retain authority over decisions involving life and death.
Universal safeguards for AI technologies
The secretary-general underscored the need to protect children from potentially unsafe AI applications. He stated that developers should demonstrate that a system is safe before introducing it into environments involving children. Governments and tech companies should implement safeguards prior to deploying products in classrooms, homes, or public services. Furthermore, he stressed that every nation should participate in shaping international regulations surrounding AI development and deployment.
AI’s environmental footprint is also increasing, driven by data centers, energy consumption, and water usage. Guterres urged leading technology firms to disclose the energy, carbon emissions, and water impacts of their systems. He called on them to switch to renewable energy sources by 2030 and to enhance data center efficiency. Governments should also factor in clean energy requirements for AI infrastructure in their national climate and energy strategies.
Promoting global access and responsible governance
The United Nations has expanded its efforts in AI governance through international dialogue and capacity development initiatives. Member states created a Global Dialogue on AI Governance aimed at fostering cooperation among governments, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society. This platform facilitates discussions on safety, accessibility, human oversight, and ethical development. Guterres emphasized that global rules must evolve in step with rapid technological advances while safeguarding rights and ensuring public accountability.
During the Shanghai event, Guterres connected issues of access, safety, and sustainability as components of a single global policy challenge. He noted AI’s potential to advance healthcare, education, food systems, and essential public services. Nonetheless, realizing these benefits depends on equitable access to infrastructure, skills, and decision-making platforms. He urged governments and private companies to collaborate on setting standards, investing wisely, and adopting clean energy solutions so that AI serves all regions effectively.