UN General Assembly passes historic resolution on AI

On Thursday, the UN General Assembly passed a historic resolution promoting the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems that are “safe, secure, and trustworthy” and will contribute to universally sustainable development.

The Assembly also emphasized the respect, protection, and advancement of human rights in the design, development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) by adopting a draft resolution led by the United States without a vote.

Over 120 additional Member States “co-sponsored” or supported the text of the bill.

The potential of AI systems to facilitate and expedite the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was also acknowledged by the General Assembly.

This is the first time the assembly has passed a resolution pertaining to the regulation of a newly emerging field.

According to reports earlier this month, the US National Security Advisor stated that the adoption would mark a “historic step forward” for responsible utilization of AI.

The assembly’s request to all Member States and stakeholders was “to refrain from or cease the use of artificial intelligence systems that are impossible to operate in compliance with international human rights law or that pose undue risks to the enjoyment of human rights.”

It stated that “the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, including throughout the life cycle of artificial intelligence systems.” The assembly also called on all governments, businesses, civil society, academic institutions, and the media to create and promote frameworks and regulatory measures pertaining to the safe, secure, and reliable use of artificial intelligence.

The assembly also acknowledged that countries had “varying levels” of technical progress, and that developing nations have particular difficulties in keeping up with the quick speed of invention.

It called on stakeholders and Member States to work together and assist developing nations in order to reduce the digital divide, promote greater digital literacy, and enable them to enjoy inclusive and equal access.

U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield introduced the draft resolution prior to its adoption.

“We intend for it to complement future UN initiatives, including negotiations toward a global digital compact and the work of the Secretary-General’s high-level advisory body on artificial intelligence,” she stated.

She expressed hope that the “inclusive and constructive dialogue that led to this resolution would serve as a model for future conversations on AI challenges in other arenas, for example, with respect to peace and security and responsible military use of AI autonomy.”

The resolution, according to Thomas-Greenfield, was created to strengthen the work that the UN, the Human Rights Council, and the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are already doing.

Additionally, Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that it is the global community’s duty and chance “to govern this technology rather than let it govern us.”

“So let us reaffirm that AI will be created and deployed through the lens of humanity and dignity, safety and security, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“Let us commit to closing the digital gap within and between nations and using this technology to advance shared priorities around sustainable development,” she added.