As world leaders and technologists gather at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential risks takes center stage. Amid the discussions, the UN Secretary-General’s envoy on technology, Amandeep Gill, hosts an event titled “Governing AI for Humanity,” highlighting the urgent need for international cooperation on AI.
Secretary-General António Guterres and Gill recognize the necessity of a new UN agency dedicated to managing this powerful technology. However, the specific issues to be addressed and the structure of this entity are still under consideration. While some skeptics doubt the support of powerful nations for such ambitious global cooperation efforts, Gill’s previous experience in advocating for the safe use of advanced technology has positioned him to lead this initiative.
The rapid advancement of AI in recent years and its far-reaching impact beyond national borders have prompted calls for international collaboration in addressing AI-related challenges. In a recent meeting of the UN Security Council, Guterres emphasized the UN’s role as the appropriate forum for fostering this cooperation. The establishment of a High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, whose members will be announced in October, marks a crucial step towards the creation of a UN AI agency.
The High-Level Advisory Body, led by Gill as the tech envoy, launched a public call for nominations to select experts representing diverse sectors, geographic regions, and areas of focus. With over 1,600 nominations received and additional nominations from member states, the selection process is underway. This Body, comprising up to 32 members, aims to produce an interim report analyzing options for international AI governance by December 2023. A subsequent report, due in August 2024, may provide detailed recommendations for the form and functions of a new international agency.
While opinions vary regarding the necessity of establishing a new agency, some experts argue that existing bodies within the UN system could facilitate the required international governance for AI. However, Gill maintains that the Advisory Body’s findings will be unbiased and will provide member states with the information necessary to support the establishment of a UN AI agency at the upcoming Summit of the Future in September 2024.
Inspired by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which ensures the safe use of nuclear energy, some suggest a similar agency for AI might be needed. However, replicating the IAEA entirely may face challenges due to the involvement of powerful nations reluctant to grant full access to advanced AI labs.
As researchers propose alternative models for international AI governance, it becomes crucial to determine the most suitable approach. These include an agency specializing in industry-wide standards, a facilitator of expert consensus akin to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a public-private partnership ensuring equal access to beneficial AI, and an international collaboration focusing on AI safety research.
In terms of political feasibility, experts suggest that a more jurisdictional certification approach, partnering with national regulators, could garner the support of powerful countries. Collaboration between countries at the forefront of AI development, such as the United States and China, is vital for effectively managing the global challenges AI presents.
Establishing an effective international agreement for AI governance may require unforeseen incidents to generate the necessary political will. In the interim, Gill proposes setting up an international body, through the UN or through smaller multilateral or bilateral groups, as a foundation for future substantial cooperation.
As discussions continue, the UN, with its track record in managing new technologies, emerges as a potential host for an AI governance treaty or organization. While previous attempts to manage AI internationally have faced challenges, Gill remains resolute in his belief that the current window of opportunity for international cooperation on AI must be pursued.
The future of AI governance lies in the hands of global leaders and technologists, who must work together to strike the delicate balance between innovation and regulation, ensuring the safe and responsible development of AI for the benefit of humanity.
Market Capital Research 