SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for comprehensive international oversight of artificial intelligence during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. He highlighted that the development of technology shaping humanity’s future should involve all nations, not just a select few governments and corporations. Guterres pointed out AI’s significant potential benefits for healthcare, education, food systems, 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 disconnected from the internet, while computing resources, specialized knowledge, and investments remain concentrated in a limited number of markets. He stressed that developing countries require affordable computing solutions, trustworthy data, local language support, technical education, and robust digital infrastructure. These resources would enable governments and researchers to develop systems tailored to their specific needs and public service requirements. Over 20 nations, including China, have proposed establishing 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 endorse this initiative. He outlined three key priorities: increasing AI capabilities in developing nations, establishing common safety standards, and reducing environmental impact. The UN Secretary-General emphasized the importance of international law and human rights-based approaches to testing and managing AI risks. He insisted that humans must maintain control over critical decisions affecting life and safety, regardless of where AI is employed in security, health, or public safety sectors.
Global standards and child protection
Child safety was another focus of Guterres’ speech. He underscored that no AI system should be accessible to children before developers can demonstrate its safety. His remarks placed accountability on governments and technology companies to implement safeguards prior to products reaching schools, homes, or public institutions. He also linked effective AI regulation to equitable participation, asserting that every nation deserves a voice when formulating international rules.
The environmental footprint of AI was prominently discussed as well. Guterres urged leading AI firms to disclose the energy, water, and emission costs associated with their technologies. He called for these companies to transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 and to enhance efficiency in data centers. Governments should incorporate clean energy solutions for AI infrastructure into their national energy and climate strategies, he added. Such measures would align digital expansion with existing environmental commitments.
Building capacity and promoting sustainable AI
These proposals coincide with the United Nations‘s efforts to expand its leadership 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 supported international scientific collaboration and capacity-building initiatives for countries with limited technical resources. Guterres stressed that governance frameworks must evolve in tandem with rapid technological advances while safeguarding human oversight, adherence to international law, and accountability. He emphasized that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around.
At the conference, Guterres framed access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected elements of a common global challenge. He expressed optimism that AI could advance the Sustainable Development Goals by improving health, education, agriculture, and public services. The real test, he said, is whether AI reduces inequality or simply deepens existing divides. He called on governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing rules, making investments, and building infrastructure to ensure AI benefits people in every region.