From its first steps in the mid-twentieth century to the present day, artificial intelligence (AI) has been rapidly transforming our world.
AI includes a diverse range of technologies that can be defined as 'self-learning, adaptive systems.' It can be categorized based on technologies, purposes (like facial or image recognition), functions (such as language understanding and problem-solving), or types of agents (including robots and self-driving cars).
It also includes various methods and disciplines such as vision, speech recognition, and robotics, and serves to enhance traditional human capabilities. Recent progress in AI has been driven by advancements in computer processing power and data techniques.
Using AI as a force for good
In all these spheres and more, AI has significant potential to support the UN by promoting inclusivity, reducing inequalities, helping to accelerate nearly 80% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening the work of the United Nations system.
For example, AI could support advancements in the SDGs by providing diagnostics and predictive analytics in healthcare (SDG 3); crop monitoring and climate resilience in agriculture (SDGs 2 and 15); personalized learning in education (SDG 4) and crisis mapping and aid distribution for humanitarian response.
But AI isn't just a game changer for . It can help the UN respond to crises around the world, help nations collaborate to address , and become a and .
And yet, so far the benefits of AI are unevenly distributed, concentrated in a few powerful companies and countries. As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently affirmed, many nations struggle to access AI tools, highlighting the need for international cooperation and solidarity to bridge the AI gap for developing countries.
“Without adequate guardrails, AI could further exacerbate inequalities and digital divides and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. We must seize this historic opportunity to lay the foundations for inclusive governance of AI – for the benefit of all humanity”.
While it has the potential to address some of humanity's greatest challenges, such as boosting economies and transforming societies, rapid AI development inevitably brings with it a host of risks and challenges, including threats to information accuracy and human rights.
Seeking global coordination for AI governance
As AI technologies become more widespread, there is a need for globally coordinated AI governance to maximise their benefits while effectively managing the associated risks. In response to this challenge, the UN Secretary-General has established a High-Level Advisory Body on AI. This panel analyzes the current situation and recommends strategies for international governance, promoting an inclusive and comprehensive approach.
Comprising up to 39 experts from diverse disciplines, the Body aims to align AI governance with human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals. It engages with various stakeholder groups, including governments, the private sector, and civil society, to ensure a collaborative approach.
The Body’s final report, outlines a blueprint for addressing AI-related risks and sharing its transformative potential globally, including by:
- Urging the UN to lay the foundations of the first globally inclusive and distributed architecture for AI governance based on international cooperation.
- Proposing seven recommendations to address gaps in current AI governance arrangements.
- Calling on all governments and stakeholders to work together in governing AI to foster development and protection of all human rights.
Lights and shadows of AI: Putting people before profit
As the UN Secretary-General points out, "humanity must never be left to the 'black box' of an algorithm", emphasising the importance of human control over decisions to use force, in order to promote the development and protection of all human rights.
This is clearly reflected in the four main areas of generative AI of concern to the United Nations:
- 色库TV and Security: AI-powered disinformation is already endangering UN peace and humanitarian operations, putting staff and civilians at risk. Over 70% of UN peacekeepers responding in a recent survey said mis- and disinformation severely hampered their ability to carry out their work.
- Human rights violations: AI is being used to create and spread harmful content, including child sexual abuse material and nonconsensual pornographic images, especially targeting women and girls. The UN is also deeply concerned that anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, racist and xenophobic content could be supercharged by generative AI.
- Democracy at risk: The potential of AI to manipulate voters and sway public opinion during elections poses a significant threat to democratic processes around the world.
- Undermining science and public institutions: For example, AI tools could escalate decades-long disinformation campaigns to derail climate action by amplifying false information about climate change and renewable energy.
AI and the UN system
AI and education
Artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming various aspects of our lives, providing valuable services through capabilities such as perception, problem-solving, and creativity. While these advancements contribute positively to global initiatives like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, they also raise significant ethical concerns. Issues such as bias, threats to human rights, and climate impacts are exacerbated by pre-existing inequalities, particularly affecting marginalized groups. In response, adopted the , aiming to address these ethical challenges on a global scale.
When it comes to , AI could tackle significant challenges and transform teaching practices, aiding in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4. However, the rapid pace of technological change has outpaced the development of relevant policies and regulatory frameworks. To address this, UNESCO introduced the to enhance the skills of and educators in the use of information and communication technologies.
AI and justice
The judiciary plays a vital role in the governance of AI, addressing ethical concerns related to bias and transparency while utilizing AI to improve access to justice. UNESCO's Judges Initiative provides training resources to support the judiciary in navigating these complex issues, reinforcing international standards on AI and human rights.
AI for development
The United Nations Development Programme () is actively engaged in global discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. This includes implementing the Global Digital Compact and following the recommendations of the Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Body on AI. UNDP collaborates closely with the UN Inter-Agency Working Group on AI and partners with organizations such as the and UNESCO.
In individual countries, promotes the use of AI to support sustainable development. For instance, the Accelerator Labs utilize AI to analyze earth observation data—such as satellite and drone imagery—to identify crop diseases in Cameroon and Cabo Verde, detect areas with accumulated waste in Guatemala, the Philippines, Serbia, and Vietnam, and to create land use and land cover maps in Ecuador and India.
AI and workers
The AI revolution could exacerbate economic inequalities between high- and low-income countries. While AI has the potential to drive innovation and productivity, the uneven investment in and adoption of AI technologies mean that high-income nations are likely to benefit far more than low- and medium-income countries.
This disparity, which is particularly pronounced in Africa, can lead to a deepening of existing social and economic divides, as developing countries struggle with insufficient digital infrastructure and access to quality education. To address these issues, the International Labour Organization () has identified three key policy pillars: improving digital infrastructure, promoting technology transfer, and building AI skills.
Developing countries need robust digital tools to support AI adoption, while high-income nations should assist in transferring technological know-how. Investing in education and training is crucial for equipping the workforce with the necessary skills.
Additionally, fostering social dialogue is essential to ensure that technological advancements respect workers' rights and improve job quality. , a report co-authored by the United Nations and the International Labour Organization calls for collaborative efforts among policymakers, industry leaders, and international organizations to create a fair and inclusive AI-driven future.
AI and children
has launched the initiative to ensure that AI systems respect children's rights. Working with partners including the World Economic Forum and UC Berkeley, the initiative focuses on maximizing opportunities for children while mitigating the risks associated with AI technologies.
The Children's Fund has developed policy guidance to promote children's rights within AI policies and practices. This guidance emphasizes the importance of considering children's needs and rights in the development and deployment of AI systems.
AI and health
The World Health Organization () has published comprehensive guidelines for the . This framework outlines principles to ensure that AI technologies are designed and implemented in a way that prioritizes human well-being and upholds human rights.
In collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), WHO established this initiative to create a platform for stakeholders to discuss and develop standards for AI applications in healthcare, to harness the potential of AI in a responsible way.
AI and food
World Food Programme's () serves as a testing ground for , allowing the organization to assess the feasibility and impact of AI solutions before implementation. This approach ensures that only effective and responsible AI tools are deployed.
Developed in partnership with Google Research, (Satellite Intelligence) utilizes AI and satellite imagery to provide real-time insights for disaster response and humanitarian aid, significantly enhancing the speed and accuracy of damage assessments.
In collaboration with Alibaba Group, WFP introduced , an AI-driven global hunger monitoring system that predicts and tracks hunger severity in over 90 countries, aiding in timely and targeted interventions.
AI and refugees
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees () is using AI and big data to improve humanitarian response through its , which provides services and training on the ethical use of data and works with partners to explore innovative approaches.
Additionally, is a predictive analytics tool that employs AI to forecast population movements, enabling UNHCR to anticipate and prepare for potential refugee influxes, thereby improving response strategies.
UNHCR is exploring the use of AI-powered chatbots to improve communication with refugees, providing timely information and assistance through automated, yet personalized interactions.
AI and the private sector
The United Nations Global Compact is a voluntary initiative based on CEO commitments to implement universal sustainability principles and take steps to support the UN’s goals. It encourages businesses worldwide to align their operations and strategies with in the areas of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. It's the world's largest corporate sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiative.
As 2030 approaches, innovative solutions are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The private sector, which accounts for over 60% of global GDP, has a key role to play in driving innovation and Generative AI (Gen AI) for sustainable development.
The UN Global Compact’s “” report provides private sector leaders with tools to responsibly deploy Gen AI that also delivers business value. It includes actionable strategies, case studies, and insights on managing Gen AI risks, as well as resources for responsible implementation.
Resources
- OHCHR:
- WHO:
- WIPO:
- UNEP:
- UNESCO:
- ITU:
- UN Global Compact:
- UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination:
- High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence: Governing AI for humanity
- UNCTAD: