The United Nations General Assembly, with backing from the United States, has approved a resolution sponsored by China urging wealthy nations to narrow the disparity with poorer countries in accessing and benefiting from artificial intelligence (AI).
This follows the March adoption of the first UN resolution on AI, jointly led by the US and supported by 123 countries including China, emphasizing the importance of ensuring AI's safety, security, and accessibility on a global scale.
Both resolutions highlight collaboration between the US and China in shaping AI's future despite their geopolitical rivalry. Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong praised the complementary nature of the resolutions, with China's focusing on capacity building.
Fu emphasized the rapid advancement of AI and called for intensified international cooperation, criticizing US sanctions on AI-related investments in China as detrimental to global AI standards and inclusivity.
China's resolution advocates for an open and non-discriminatory business environment in AI, encompassing both civilian and military applications. Fu highlighted China's involvement in discussions on controlling autonomous weapons in Geneva and expressed support for a potential General Assembly resolution on AI's military dimensions.
While cautioning about AI's risks, both resolutions underscore its potential benefits for economic development and human welfare. The US resolution calls for ongoing discussions on AI governance and protection of personal data and human rights.
China's initiative aims to bridge global AI disparities and underscores the UN's role as the primary forum for inclusive AI governance.
