SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for expanded international oversight of artificial intelligence at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. He highlighted that the development of technology shaping humanity’s future must include all nations, not just a select few governments and corporations. Guterres pointed to AI’s potential as a significant advancement for healthcare, education, food security, and employment. However, he also cautioned that insufficient global cooperation could exacerbate disparities in income, opportunities, security, and access to vital services.
The secretary-general noted that one-third of the world’s population remains offline, while computing resources, expertise, and investments are concentrated in select markets. He stressed the importance of providing developing countries with affordable computing, trustworthy data, local language support, technical education, and dependable digital infrastructure. These resources would enable governments and researchers to develop systems tailored to their specific needs and public services. Over 20 nations, including China, have nominated centers for a UN-supported network aimed at enhancing AI capacity across different regions and income levels.
Guterres announced plans to soon introduce recommendations for a Global Fund for AI and called on governments to back this initiative. He outlined three key priorities: bolstering capacity in developing nations, establishing common safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. The UN leader emphasized the importance of unified testing protocols and risk management strategies rooted in international law and human rights. He stressed that individuals must maintain control over critical decisions involving security, health, or public safety, regardless of where AI technologies are deployed.
Establishing Global Norms and Ensuring Child Safety
Child safety was a major focus of Guterres’s remarks. He emphasized that AI systems intended for children should not be released until developers can demonstrate their safety. His comments underscored the responsibility of governments and technology companies to put safeguards in place before deploying products in schools, homes, or public services. Guterres also linked effective AI regulation to inclusive participation, insisting that every nation deserves a voice when setting international standards.
Environmental considerations related to AI featured prominently in the Shanghai address. Guterres urged leading AI firms to disclose the energy consumption, water usage, and emissions generated by their systems. He called on these companies to transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 and to enhance efficiency across their data centers. Governments were also encouraged to incorporate clean energy solutions for AI infrastructure into their national energy and climate strategies, aligning digital growth with existing environmental commitments.
Building Capacity and Promoting Sustainable AI
These initiatives coincide with the United Nations expanding its role in global AI governance. Member states have established a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to facilitate open discussions among governments, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society. The organization also promotes scientific collaboration and capacity development, especially for countries with limited technical resources. Guterres stressed that governance frameworks must keep pace with rapid technological advances while safeguarding human oversight, adherence to international law, and accountability. He reaffirmed that technology should serve humanity, not control it.
During the conference, Guterres framed access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected elements of a shared global challenge. He expressed optimism that AI could advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by improving health, education, agriculture, and public services. The real test, he said, is whether AI reduces inequality or deepens existing divisions. He called on governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing rules, making investments, and building infrastructure so that AI benefits people in every region of the world.