UN Secretary-General Calls for Equitable AI Development

In a speech to the International Telecommunications Union, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the rapid pace of technological innovation is outpacing the world’s ability to regulate it effectively, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

Guterres urged countries to work together to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) does not exacerbate existing inequalities.

“We must join forces to ensure AI never stands for advancing inequality,” Guterres stated. He stressed the need for developing countries to receive technical assistance and investments in critical areas like data, computing power, and talent development to fully participate in and benefit from the AI revolution.

Guterres highlighted the upcoming Summit of the Future as a “key opportunity” to establish a “Global Digital Compact” that would connect the unconnected, promote safe and inclusive AI, and leverage innovation to advance sustainable development. The Secretary-General emphasized the urgency of this task, stating, “We have no time to waste.”