Governing AI for Humanity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world, offering unprecedented opportunities that could benefit societies across the globe. From unlocking new scientific discoveries to optimizing energy grids, enhancing public health, and advancing agriculture, AI is positioned to drive progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, if AI remains ungoverned, its benefits may not be equitably distributed, and the risks associated with it could outweigh its potential for good.

That is why the UN’s Advisory Board released their paper report ‘Governing AI for Humanity’ released by UN Secretary Gutteres, at GeSI’s AI with Purpose Conference on September 19th in New York.

The opportunities and traps of AI

AI’s potential is vast and diverse. It promises advancements in medicine, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure, among other areas. AI can improve decision-making processes, help reduce carbon emissions, and promote economic growth by making industries more efficient. Furthermore, AI could support global initiatives to fight poverty, enhance education, and foster inclusive economic development, providing new opportunities for millions of people worldwide.

Despite its promise, AI also presents several risks, many of which could have serious global repercussions if left unregulated. AI systems, particularly large language models, have shown tendencies for confabulations, or “hallucinations,” spreading misinformation. Additionally, AI’s role in surveillance and the creation of deepfakes raises concerns over privacy and human rights. The technology also carries environmental risks, as its energy consumption during training and deployment can contribute to the global climate crisis.

AI’s impact on the workforce also presents challenges. Automation driven by AI could disrupt job markets, potentially leading to mass unemployment in certain sectors. The use of AI in autonomous weapons systems and public security further exacerbates concerns, raising legal, security, and humanitarian questions that demand urgent attention.

The Need for Global Governance

The rapid development of AI technologies underscores the need for robust global governance to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating its risks. AI’s inherent transboundary nature means it impacts every corner of the globe. The raw materials for AI, such as critical minerals and data, are sourced globally, and its applications cross borders seamlessly. Thus, national governments and regional organizations alone cannot adequately manage its influence—AI governance must be a global endeavor.

Currently, global AI governance is fragmented. Numerous frameworks and initiatives have been developed, but they often lack coordination and comprehensiveness. Many countries, particularly in the global South, are excluded from these conversations. For example, while seven countries participate in all major AI governance initiatives, 118 countries are involved in none. This exclusion exacerbates global inequities and limits the opportunities AI could provide to underserved regions.

The concentration of power in the hands of a few nations and private companies further complicates governance. Effective AI governance must ensure that diverse voices from around the world contribute to decision-making, especially from those historically excluded from these conversations. Without inclusive and coordinated efforts, AI could become a tool that deepens global divides rather than bridges them.

To address these challenges, we must move towards a holistic, global approach to AI governance. This approach should be grounded in international law, particularly human rights law, and aligned with the SDGs. It should cut across political, economic, social, ethical, technical, and environmental domains to form a cohesive governance framework that spans borders and adapts over time.