Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked urgent discussions around the need for international collaboration and a solid scientific framework to guide policymaking. This sentiment was echoed by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, during his remarks at the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi.
Guterres highlighted the rapid pace of AI innovation, stating, “We are barreling into the unknown. AI innovation is moving at the speed of light – outpacing our collective ability to understand it, let alone govern it fully.” He emphasized the necessity for global cooperation, noting that the complexities of AI transcend national boundaries, making it impossible for any single country to fully grasp the implications alone. He called for policies surrounding AI to be rooted in reliable facts as opposed to speculation, hype, or misinformation.
As part of its efforts to address these challenges, the UN has begun forming mechanisms that prioritize scientific evidence in international collaborations focused on AI. A key initiative is the establishment of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, which will include 40 leading experts aimed at closing “the AI knowledge gap.” Their work will involve evaluating the true impacts of AI technologies across various economies and societies, equipping nations—regardless of their current AI capabilities—with the knowledge they need to make informed policy decisions.
The panel is scheduled to produce a preliminary report before the Global Dialogue on AI Governance takes place in July. This report aims to offer a unified analytical foundation for Member States, facilitating a shift from abstract philosophical debates to practical, evidence-based coordination. Ensuring that policies are balanced—neither excessively restrictive nor disconnected from reality—is vital for fostering an environment where both innovation and risk management can thrive.
Guterres further elaborated on the need for a nuanced understanding of AI capabilities, which would enable informed, risk-based regulations that safeguard individuals while encouraging development. He affirmed that a framework driven by scientific principles would serve as an enhancement to progress, making it safer and more equitable.
However, he recognized the existing hurdles in achieving effective international collaboration, given the current climate of limited trust and growing technological rivalries. He cautioned that without a shared framework, mismatched regional policies could escalate costs and diminish safety standards, potentially amplifying global inequities.
In his remarks, Guterres stressed the vital role of a universal scientific approach, suggesting that collaboration led by the Independent Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance could harmonize technical standards worldwide. He urged global leaders to engage critically with AI decision-making processes and to advocate for transparency, calling for “Less hype. Less fear. More facts and evidence.”
By leveraging scientific expertise, Guterres envisions transforming AI from a potential source of uncertainty into a dependable driver for Sustainable Development Goals. As countries arrive at this crucial juncture, the emphasis is on fostering international collaboration to navigate the enormous opportunities and challenges presented by AI. This optimistic outlook aims to inspire unity in addressing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence as it shapes our global future.