A series of meetings is currently being held in Geneva for the United Nations Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence, bringing together relevant UN agencies including organizations for labor and global health.
The meetings are convened to discuss the challenges and risks associated with artificial intelligence, as well as to deliberate on the necessary international governance to address these challenges and leverage available opportunities.
Amandeep Singh Gill, the envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Technology, clarified that the Council has presented a provisional report containing some guiding principles for international governance of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and achieving the common good.
The report also underscored the importance of adhering to this governance under the UN Charter and other international standards, rather than starting anew.
The envoy of the Secretary-General stated that the Council comprises members from all parts of the world engaged in this issue, consisting of 39 members including technology company executives, government officials, and academics from 33 countries worldwide. Additionally, an advisory support network was established for the Council, involving 120 experts to address any potential gaps in the advisory council.
He also emphasized the importance of negotiating a global digital pact and organizing global cooperation in the context of the upcoming Future Summit to be held by the United Nations in Geneva in September. He further emphasized the importance of monitoring and analyzing rapid developments in the field of artificial intelligence.
Regarding the issue of language barriers in artificial intelligence and the dominance of the English language in it so far, the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural diversity was stressed, as well as the importance of capacity building to ensure that no one is left behind. It is expected that the Advisory Council will issue recommendations to help bridge the current digital divide.
