SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for broader international oversight of artificial intelligence at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. He highlighted that technological advancements shaping humanity’s future must include all nations, not just a select few governments and corporations. Guterres recognized AI as a significant opportunity for fields such as medicine, education, food systems, and employment. He also cautioned that insufficient international collaboration could exacerbate disparities in income, opportunities, security, and access to vital services.
The secretary-general pointed out that one-third of the global population remains offline while computing resources, expert knowledge, and investments are concentrated in limited markets. He stressed that developing countries require affordable computing power, trustworthy data, local language support, technical training, and robust digital infrastructure. These resources would enable governments and researchers to develop systems tailored to their national needs and public services. Over 20 nations, including China, have nominated centers to participate in a UN-supported network aimed at enhancing AI capacity across different regions and income levels.
Guterres announced plans to soon present recommendations for a Global Fund for AI and called on governments to endorse this initiative. He outlined three main priorities: strengthening capacity in developing nations, establishing common safety standards, and reducing environmental impact. The UN leader emphasized the importance of unified testing protocols and risk management strategies grounded in international law and human rights protections. He insisted that individuals must retain control over critical decisions involving security, health, or public safety, regardless of where AI technologies are implemented.
Global standards and safeguarding children
Child safety was another key focus of Guterres’ speech. He underscored that no AI system should be accessible to children before developers can demonstrate its safety. His comments reinforced the shared responsibility of governments and technology firms to implement safeguards prior to products reaching schools, homes, or public institutions. Guterres also linked effective AI regulation to equitable participation, emphasizing that every nation must have a seat at the table when crafting international rules.
The environmental implications of AI also featured prominently in the Shanghai address. Guterres urged leading AI companies to disclose data on energy consumption, water usage, and emissions associated with their systems. He called for these companies to transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 and enhance efficiency in data centers. Governments should incorporate clean energy solutions into their national energy and climate strategies, aligning digital development with environmental commitments, he added.
Building capacity and promoting sustainable AI
These proposals coincide with the United Nations broadening its involvement in global AI governance. Member states established a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to facilitate open discussions among governments, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society. The UN has also championed international scientific collaboration and capacity development for nations with limited technical expertise. Guterres stressed that governance frameworks must evolve swiftly to keep pace with rapid technological progress, while safeguarding human oversight, adherence to international law, and transparency. He affirmed that technology should serve humanity, not control it.
During the conference, Guterres linked access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected elements of the same global challenge. He expressed optimism that AI could help advance the Sustainable Development Goals by improving health, education, agriculture, and public services. The key test, he said, is whether AI reduces inequality or simply deepens existing divisions. He called on governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing rules, investments, and infrastructure to ensure AI benefits all regions and communities.