UN Secretary-General Warns of AI's Potential to Widen Global Inequality

Globally, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to accelerate medical breakthroughs, transform education, strengthen food systems, and create jobs. However, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that without international cooperation, this technology could widen global inequality instead of advancing sustainable development.

The World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai provided a platform for Mr. Guterres to emphasize the importance of inclusive AI governance. He described AI as ‘humanity’s greatest opportunity in the 21st century’, but cautioned that it could also become one of its greatest risks if not managed properly.

Mr. Guterres stressed that technology shaping humanity’s future must be shaped by all of humanity, rather than a handful of countries or companies. Every nation needs a seat at the table to ensure AI benefits everyone and does not exacerbate existing inequalities.

The UN has stepped up its work on AI governance over the past year through initiatives such as the Global Digital Compact and the establishment of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. These efforts aim to promote international cooperation, share expertise, and establish common standards for AI development.

Recent developments include the first session of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, where governments and stakeholders discussed open, transparent, and inclusive discussions on artificial intelligence governance. This dialogue is part of a broader effort to help countries bridge the gap between developed and developing nations when it comes to data analysis tools and AI capacity building.

The UN Secretary-General noted that one-third of humanity remains offline, with computing power, technical expertise, and investment concentrated in a small number of countries and companies. Unless these disparities are addressed, AI could lead to greater inequalities, divides in income, opportunity, and security.

To address this issue, more than 20 countries have nominated centres for the UN-supported Global Network for Exchange and Cooperation on AI Capacity Building. Additionally, Mr. Guterres announced plans to present recommendations for a Global Fund for AI, which will provide financial support for developing nations to build their own AI systems using local data, languages, and expertise.

Mr. Guterres outlined three priorities for ensuring AI benefits everyone: expanding capacity in developing countries, establishing international safety standards, and making AI more environmentally sustainable. He emphasized the need for humans to maintain control over life-and-death decisions made by AI systems and called on governments to support these initiatives.

The Secretary-General also urged major AI companies to disclose their environmental footprint and power operations with renewable energy by 2030. Governments should integrate clean energy for AI into national plans, ensuring that this transformation reduces inequalities rather than reinforcing them.