SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for broader international oversight of artificial intelligence at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. He stated that the technology shaping humanity’s future must include all nations, not just a select few governments and corporations. Guterres highlighted AI’s significant potential in fields such as medicine, education, food systems, and employment, while cautioning that insufficient global cooperation could widen disparities in income, opportunities, security, and access to essential services.
The secretary-general pointed out that one-third of the world’s population remains offline, with computing resources, specialized expertise, and investments concentrated in limited markets. He stressed that developing countries require affordable computing solutions, trustworthy data, local language support, technical training, and dependable digital infrastructure. These resources would enable governments and researchers to develop systems tailored to their specific needs and public services. Over 20 countries, including China, have nominated centers for a UN-supported network dedicated to enhancing AI capabilities across regions and income levels.
Guterres announced plans to soon propose a Global Fund for AI and called on governments to endorse this initiative. He outlined three key priorities: increasing capacity in developing nations, establishing shared safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. The UN leader emphasized the importance of unified testing and risk management approaches rooted in international law and human rights. He insisted that individuals must maintain control over critical decisions, especially in sectors like security, healthcare, and public safety, regardless of where AI is implemented.
Global standards and child protection
Child safety was another vital aspect of Guterres’ appeal. He focused particularly on AI systems used by or around children. He stated that no AI product should be deployed to children before developers can demonstrate its safety. His comments placed the responsibility on governments and technology firms to implement safeguards prior to release in schools, homes, or public services. Guterres also linked effective AI governance with equitable participation, asserting that every nation must have a voice when shaping international rules.
The environmental footprint of AI also featured prominently in the Shanghai address. Guterres urged leading AI companies to disclose the energy consumption, water use, and emissions associated with their systems. He called for a transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 for AI operations and for increased efficiency in data centers. Governments should incorporate clean energy solutions for AI infrastructure within their national energy and climate strategies, he added. These steps would align digital advancement with existing environmental commitments.
Developing capacity and promoting sustainable AI
These proposals coincide with the United Nations expanding its role in global AI regulation. Member states established a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to facilitate open discussions among governments, industry stakeholders, researchers, and civil society. The UN has also supported scientific collaboration and capacity-building efforts for nations with limited technological resources. Guterres emphasized that governance frameworks must keep pace with rapid AI development while safeguarding human oversight, international law, and public accountability. He reaffirmed that technology should serve humanity, not control it.
During the conference, Guterres framed access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected elements of the same worldwide challenge. He expressed confidence that AI could advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by improving health, education, agriculture, and public services. The ultimate test, he said, is whether AI reduces inequality or exacerbates existing divides. He urged governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing rules, making investments, and building infrastructure so that artificial intelligence benefits people across all regions.