The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres announced the formation of an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Body aimed at addressing the risks, opportunities, and international governance of artificial intelligence.

Guterres, in a press release on Thursday, October 26, emphasised the need for global cooperation in navigating the complexities of AI responsibly in our modern world.

The potential of AI for advancing humanity is immense, from predicting and managing crises to bolstering public health initiatives and educational services. The transformative power of AI, especially for developing economies, offers the possibility of leaping ahead with technology and directly delivering essential services to those who need them most.

The past year has witnessed an extraordinary surge in the capabilities and applications of artificial intelligence, ranging from chatbots and voice cloning to image generators and video applications.

Currently, AI expertise is concentrated in a handful of companies and countries, which could exacerbate global inequalities and digital divides. Furthermore, there are concerns about misinformation, bias, discrimination, privacy violations, and even the malicious use of AI that could erode trust in institutions and threaten democracy.

Guterres has called for a comprehensive, global, and multidisciplinary dialogue on AI governance, aiming to maximise its benefits for all of humanity while minimising risks. The newly formed advisory body will play a pivotal role in this endeavour.

Comprising a diverse and gender-balanced group of experts from various fields, including government, business, technology, civil society, and academia, the Advisory Body will operate independently and adhere to universal values enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Its primary focus will be on international AI governance, understanding risks and challenges, and identifying opportunities to leverage AI for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The advisory body’s recommendations will be instrumental in shaping the upcoming Summit of the Future and negotiations surrounding the proposed Global Digital Compact.

Guterres expressed gratitude to the members of the advisory body for their commitment to making AI work for the benefit of all of humanity. The group’s mission is to consult widely, transparently, and extensively to ensure that AI serves the common good, paving the way for a safer and more equitable future.