SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for broader international involvement in AI governance during a major summit in Shanghai. He highlighted that AI should benefit populations worldwide, not just governments and corporations with the most resources. Guterres pointed out its increasing influence in sectors like health, education, agriculture, and employment. He also expressed concern that unequal access could deepen existing disparities among nations and communities.
The UN leader noted that billions still lack dependable internet, sufficient computing capacity, and advanced technical expertise. He called for increased investment in digital infrastructure, trusted data repositories, tools in local languages, and professional training programs. Such investments would enable developing nations to build AI systems that enhance public services and align with national priorities. Over 20 countries, including China, have proposed centers for a UN-backed network dedicated to strengthening AI capabilities.
Guterres announced plans to propose a Global Fund for AI to assist resource-limited countries. He outlined three key areas for international cooperation: enhancing capacity, establishing common safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. He emphasized the importance of harmonized testing procedures and risk assessments grounded in human rights and international legal frameworks. He also stressed that humans must retain authority over decisions related to life and death.
Shared Safeguards for AI Technologies
The secretary-general underscored the importance of safeguarding children from unsafe AI applications. He stated that developers should demonstrate that their systems are secure before deployment in environments involving children. Governments and tech firms should implement protective measures prior to introducing products into schools, homes, or public services. He also asserted that every nation has a role in shaping international regulations for AI development and deployment.
AI’s environmental footprint is also increasing, due to data centers, energy consumption, and water use. Guterres urged leading technology companies to disclose the energy use, emissions, and water impacts of their systems. He called for these companies to transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 and to enhance data center efficiency. Governments should also incorporate sustainable energy requirements for AI infrastructure into their national climate and energy strategies, he added.
Global Accessibility and Responsible Oversight
United Nations has expanded its efforts in AI governance through international dialogue and capacity development initiatives. Member states created a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to foster collaboration among governments, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society. This platform promotes discussions on safety, equitable access, human oversight, and responsible innovation. Guterres emphasized that global regulations must keep pace with rapid technological progress while ensuring rights protection and accountability to the public.
During the Shanghai summit, Guterres linked the issues of access, safety, and sustainability as integral elements of a unified global policy challenge. He noted that AI has the potential to advance health, education, food security, and vital public services. Nonetheless, its advantages depend on fair access to infrastructure, skills development, and decision-making platforms. He urged governments and private sector entities to collaborate on establishing standards, investing responsibly, and adopting clean energy solutions so that AI benefits all regions around the world.