SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for broader international oversight of artificial intelligence during 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 out AI’s potential as a significant advancement in healthcare, education, food production, 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 approximately one-third of the world’s population remains offline, while computational resources, expertise, and investments are concentrated in a limited number of markets. He stressed the importance of providing developing nations with affordable computing options, trustworthy data, local language support, technical education, and robust digital infrastructure. These elements would enable governments and researchers to develop systems tailored to their specific needs and public services. 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 his intention to soon present recommendations for a Global Fund for AI and called on governments to endorse this initiative. He outlined three key priorities: strengthening capabilities in developing countries, establishing shared safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. The UN Secretary-General emphasized the importance of adopting universal testing and risk management protocols rooted in international law and human rights principles. He asserted that humans must retain control over all critical decisions, regardless of whether AI is used in security, healthcare, or public safety contexts.
International standards and child protection
Child safety was another vital aspect of Guterres’ message. He focused especially on AI systems designed for children, insisting that no such system should be deployed before developers demonstrate its safety. His comments placed the onus on governments and technology firms to implement safeguards before products are introduced into schools, homes, or public services. He also linked effective AI governance to equitable participation, stating that every country must have a voice when setting international standards.
Environmental considerations also featured prominently in the Shanghai address. Guterres urged major AI companies to disclose their systems’ energy consumption, water use, and emissions. He called for these companies to transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 and to improve efficiency in data centers. Governments were encouraged to incorporate clean energy initiatives for AI infrastructure into their national energy and climate strategies. Such actions would align digital advancement with existing environmental commitments.
Enhancing global capacity and promoting sustainable AI
These proposals come as the United Nations broadens its involvement in international AI governance. Member states established a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to facilitate open discussions among governments, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society. The organization is also promoting scientific collaboration and capacity development, especially for countries with limited technological resources. Guterres emphasized that governance frameworks must keep pace with rapid technological progress while maintaining human oversight, adherence to international law, and accountability. He reiterated that technology should serve humanity, not dominate it.
During the conference, Guterres linked access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected components of a shared global challenge. He expressed confidence that AI could advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by improving health, education, agriculture, and public services. The true test, he said, is whether the technology helps reduce inequality or reinforces existing divisions. He called on governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing rules, investment strategies, and infrastructure so that artificial intelligence benefits people across all regions.