Data Analysis Tools Must Serve People, Not the Other Way Around: UN Secretary-General at World AI Conference

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized that technology must serve people, not the other way around. He made this statement during his speech at the opening ceremony of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai.

Guterres thanked President Xi Jinping for inviting him to the conference and expressed gratitude for China’s warm hospitality in the city of Shanghai. The UN Secretary-General also acknowledged that artificial intelligence can be humanity’s greatest opportunity in the 21st century, but warned that it could also become one of its greatest risks if not managed properly.

The theme of the WAIC reminds us that a brighter future depends on partnerships. Guterres expressed his appreciation for China bringing together international leaders and experts to discuss AI governance and development. He noted that the launch by President Xi Jinping in 2023 of the Global AI Governance Initiative was a strong message of Chinese commitment and leadership, and that the World AI Conference is its natural development.

The UN Secretary-General highlighted the importance of partnership in achieving sustainable development goals through the application of artificial intelligence. He mentioned that AI can accelerate medical breakthroughs, transform education, strengthen food systems and agricultural productivity, and spur new industries and create decent jobs.

Guterres emphasized that technology must be shaped by all humanity, not just a handful of countries or companies. Every nation needs a seat at the table when it comes to governing AI. He noted that this is reflected in the Global Digital Compact adopted by the UN General Assembly with China’s full support.

The Compact made it clear that technology shaping the future of humanity must be shaped by all humanity, not just a few countries or companies. Guterres stated that every nation needs a seat at the table when it comes to governing AI and that this is reflected in the Global Digital Compact adopted by the UN General Assembly with China’s full support.

Guterres highlighted three priorities for ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all countries: capacity, safety, and sustainability. He emphasized that developing countries bring enormous assets to the age of AI, including talent, ideas, and young populations. Every country should be able to shape this technology to its own needs, with its own skills, data, and languages.

Guterres noted that China has an essential role to play in ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all countries. He mentioned that over 20 countries, including China, have already responded to his invitation and nominated centers for a UN-supported Global Network for Exchange and Cooperation on AI Capacity Building at the service of developing countries.

The Secretary-General also announced plans to put forward recommendations for a Global Fund for AI with the same purpose as the capacity-building initiative. He asked for full support from governments and technology companies for both initiatives, emphasizing that they are crucial for ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all countries.

Guterres highlighted the importance of safety in developing AI systems. He emphasized that humans must keep control over every life-and-death decision made by AI systems. The Secretary-General also called on major AI companies to disclose their full environmental footprint and power their systems with renewables by 2030.

The UN Secretary-General concluded his speech by emphasizing that the defining question is not whether artificial intelligence will transform the world, but rather how it will be managed. He urged governments and technology companies to work together to ensure that AI reduces inequalities and expands opportunity for all countries.