UN chief calls for inclusive global AI governance
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for expanded international cooperation in the governance of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that AI development must benefit all countries and help reduce global inequality.
According to the UN, he made the remarks while speaking at the World Conference on Artificial Intelligence and the Meteorological Forum in Shanghai.
Guterres noted that artificial intelligence could become one of humanity's greatest opportunities in the 21st century, but warned of risks associated with uneven access to the technology.
He welcomed the creation of the World Organization for Cooperation in the Field of Artificial Intelligence (WICO), describing it as a continuation of efforts to develop international engagement in AI governance.
He stressed that countries must participate in shaping the technologies that will determine humanity's future: "They cannot be regulated by a small group of countries or companies. Every nation must have a seat at the decision-making table."
The UN Secretary-General also highlighted AI's potential to achieve sustainable development goals, noting that the technology could drive progress in healthcare, education, agriculture, industry, and job creation.
At the same time, he warned that unequal access to digital infrastructure, computing power, and technical expertise could widen existing global disparities.
"AI risks driving the world toward even greater inequality — deeper divides in income, opportunity, and security, and an even wider gap between the North and the South. We cannot allow this to happen," Guterres said.
He outlined three key areas that would enable all countries to benefit from AI development: expanding capacity-building opportunities, strengthening safety standards, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
According to the UN chief, developing countries need support in building their own AI capabilities, including access to computing resources, training, and technologies adapted to their needs.
Guterres also called for international approaches to AI safety, including unified standards for risk assessment and accountability, while underscoring the need to protect human rights.
"People must retain control over every decision involving life and death. No artificial intelligence system should be placed in a child's hands until its safety has been proven," he said.
Addressing environmental concerns, the UN chief urged major AI companies to disclose the full environmental footprint of their systems and transition to renewable energy sources.
Guterres noted that AI governance must serve as a platform for partnership and solidarity so that technological transformation creates opportunities for all countries rather than exacerbating existing differences.
