The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved the creation of a 40-member global scientific panel dedicated to assessing the impacts and risks of artificial intelligence (AI). The decision, passed with 117 votes in favour and only two against, marks a significant step towards international cooperation on AI, despite strong objections from the United States.
Key Takeaways
- A 40-member global scientific panel on AI has been approved by the UN General Assembly.
- The United States and Paraguay voted against the resolution, citing concerns over the UN's mandate and potential influence from authoritarian regimes.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the panel as a crucial step for global scientific understanding of AI.
- The panel aims to provide independent, rigorous insights to help all member states engage on AI issues.
A Milestone for Global AI Understanding
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres championed the establishment of the panel, describing it as a "foundational step toward global scientific understanding of AI." He emphasised that in a rapidly advancing AI landscape, the panel will provide essential, independent scientific insight. This will enable all member states, irrespective of their technological capabilities, to participate in discussions on an equal footing. The panel is envisioned as the first fully independent global scientific body focused on bridging the knowledge gap in AI and evaluating its real-world economic and social consequences.
International Support and US Opposition
The vote saw broad international support, with 117 member states voting in favour. This included major powers like Russia and China, as well as many developing nations and traditional US allies in Europe and Asia. However, the United States, alongside Paraguay, voted against the resolution. U.S. Mission counselor Lauren Lovelace stated that the panel represented "a significant overreach of the U.N.'s mandate and competence," arguing that AI governance should not be dictated by the UN. She expressed concerns that such international bodies could be influenced by authoritarian regimes and stressed the US commitment to accelerating AI innovation independently.
Panel Composition and Mandate
The 40-member panel will serve three-year terms. Its members were selected from over 2,600 candidates through an independent review process involving the International Telecommunications Union, the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, and UNESCO. The panel comprises predominantly AI experts, but also includes specialists from other fields, such as journalism and linguistics. Notable members include Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa. Two American academics and two Chinese experts are also part of the body. Ukraine abstained from the vote, citing objections to the inclusion of a Russian expert on AI regulation and ethics.
Addressing AI's Complexities
The panel's mandate is to provide impartial scientific assessments of AI's risks and benefits, covering its technological advancements, economic impacts, ethical considerations, and social consequences. While advisory in nature, it is expected to produce independent assessments to inform future global discussions on the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence. The initiative is seen as a response to the growing need for shared understanding and effective guardrails as AI technology continues its rapid evolution.