UN chief calls for global effort to set up guardrails for AI

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for a global effort to establish safety measures for artificial intelligence (AI) at a press conference on Wednesday. Guterres highlighted three existential threats facing the world: runaway AI, the climate crisis, and increasing inequality. At the UN General Assembly, he stressed the importance of shared responsibility and global cooperation to develop AI safely and responsibly.

Guterres called for a coordinated international effort to set up "guardrails" for AI, ensuring it remains transparent, accountable, and prioritizes human dignity. He warned that a "race to the bottom" on AI safety could arise due to geopolitical divides. The UN chief stressed that the world cannot afford to ignore growing concerns about AI development that have been raised by those on the frontlines.

Guterres pointed out that AI has immense potential to accelerate sustainable development, enhance learning, strengthen health systems, boost climate resilience, and more. However, he noted that some developers are sounding the alarm, warning that development is outpacing our understanding of the risks. While some call for a pause, Guterres emphasized that voluntary and unevenly applied pauses are insufficient.

According to Guterres, if the development of AI should slow when risks become too great, more than just good intentions are needed - the international community must assume its responsibilities and work together to establish the necessary safeguards.