United Nations Adopts First Resolution on AI

Na’ankwat Dariem, Abuja

The United Nations has adopted the first global resolution on artificial intelligence as part of an effort to ensure the technology remains “safe, secure, and trustworthy and the development of AI aligns with human rights values, with the hope it will prevent fragmentation of ethical frameworks governing the technology.

The non-binding resolution, drafted by the U.S. and co-sponsored by China and more than 122 other nations, also advocates the strengthening of privacy policies and the protection of data.

Adoption of the AI resolution is expected to complement other UN efforts to meet broader global development goals, including promoting digital transformation and narrowing the technology divide.

In the draft, the General Assembly explained that the resolution can be a guiding principle for the “human-centric” use of AI that protects “the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedom for all.”

The document also noted that “improper or malicious” design and deployment of AI systems, including those contradicting international law, would hinder progress towards achieving global development targets.

According to the UN news body, the General Assembly called on all member states and stakeholders to withdraw or cease the use of AI “that is impossible to operate in compliance with international human rights law,”  urging that “the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, including throughout the life cycle of AI systems.”

The US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the resolution “lays the groundwork for AI systems that leave no one behind.”

Last week, the European Parliament approved a provisional, binding law governing the use of AI on the continent.