SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for enhanced international oversight of artificial intelligence during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. He stated that the development of technology shaping humanity’s future must include all nations, not just a select few governments and corporations. Guterres highlighted AI as a significant opportunity for sectors such as medicine, education, food systems, and employment. However, he also cautioned that inadequate global cooperation could exacerbate disparities in income, opportunities, security, and access to vital services.
The secretary-general pointed out that one-third of the world’s population remains offline while computing resources, specialized expertise, and investments are concentrated in limited markets. Developing nations require affordable computing solutions, trustworthy data, support in local languages, technical training, and dependable digital infrastructure. These resources would enable governments and researchers to develop systems tailored to their specific needs and public services. More than 20 countries, including China, have designated centers for a UN-supported network focused on enhancing AI capabilities across different regions and income groups.
Guterres announced plans to soon propose recommendations for a Global Fund for AI and called on governments to endorse this initiative. He outlined three key priorities: strengthening capacity in developing countries, establishing shared safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. The UN Secretary-General emphasized the importance of consistent testing and risk management approaches based on international law and human rights protections. He insisted that individuals must retain authority over critical decisions affecting life and safety, regardless of where AI is employed in areas like security, healthcare, or public safety.
Global Standards and Child Protection
Child safety was another core aspect of Guterres’ speech. He emphasized especially the importance of systems used by children, stating that no AI product should reach a child’s hands before it can be proven safe. His comments placed responsibility on governments and technology companies to implement safeguards before these products are introduced into schools, homes, or public services. He also linked effective AI governance to equitable participation, asserting that every nation must have a voice when international rules are being formulated.
The environmental repercussions of AI also received considerable attention in Guterres’ Shanghai address. He urged major AI firms to disclose the energy, water, and emissions associated with their systems. He called for these companies to switch to renewable energy sources by 2030 and to improve efficiency in data centers. Governments should incorporate clean energy solutions for AI infrastructure into their national energy and climate strategies, he added. These steps would align digital innovation with existing environmental commitments.
Building Capacity and Promoting Sustainable AI
These proposals coincide with the United Nations expanding 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 been advocating for scientific collaboration and capacity development, especially for nations with limited technical resources. Guterres stressed that governance frameworks must keep pace with rapid technological advancements while safeguarding human oversight, international law, and public accountability. He emphasized that technology should serve people, not dominate them.
During the conference, Guterres framed access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected elements of the same worldwide challenge. He expressed belief that AI could advance the Sustainable Development Goals by improving health, education, agriculture, and public services. The key challenge, he said, is whether AI helps reduce inequality or widens existing gaps. He called on governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing regulations, investing wisely, and developing infrastructure to ensure artificial intelligence benefits all regions and populations.