UN High-Level Advisory Body Recommends Seven Key Steps for Governing Artificial Intelligence

The United Nations High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence has released its much-anticipated report titled “Governing AI for Humanity.” The comprehensive document outlines seven key recommendations aimed at addressing the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) while ensuring its global transformative potential is shared equitably. This release comes after months of consultations with stakeholders, including professionals from various sectors, on how AI governance can be improved for the benefit of humanity.

Established in October 2023, the 39-member advisory body was formed to tackle challenges in the international governance of AI. It includes representatives from tech giants, government officials, and academics from diverse countries like the US, Russia, Spain, and Japan. The advisory body’s members include high-profile executives such as Sony’s Chief Technology Officer Hiroaki Kitano, OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, and Microsoft’s Chief Responsible AI Officer Natasha Crampton. Their mission was to craft a framework for managing AI technologies that encourages innovation while mitigating the risks associated with their misuse or mismanagement.

The recommendations, outlined below, will be further discussed during the ongoing UN summit, where global leaders and experts will deliberate on their implementation.

1. Creation of an AI Standards Exchange

The first recommendation proposes the establishment of an AI standards exchange. This initiative aims to develop and maintain a comprehensive register of definitions and standards for evaluating AI systems. It also seeks to identify gaps where new standards are needed, ensuring that AI technologies are evaluated consistently across the globe. The standards exchange will be a critical tool in fostering trust and transparency in AI development.

2. Establishment of an AI Capacity Development Network

To bridge global gaps in AI expertise, the advisory body calls for the formation of an AI capacity development network. This network will coordinate regional and global AI efforts, making AI training resources, including trainers and datasets, accessible to researchers and social entrepreneurs. The focus will be on helping those working on public interest use cases, ensuring AI technology benefits local communities worldwide.

3. Creation of a Global AI Fund

The advisory body recommends the establishment of a global AI fund to address financial and collaboration gaps in AI research and capacity building. The fund will be governed independently and receive financial and in-kind contributions from both public and private sectors. The goal is to support projects that enhance AI capacity, especially in underserved regions, and ensure that AI technologies are used in ways that promote global well-being.

4. Formation of a Global AI Data Framework

To ensure transparency and accountability, the advisory body suggests creating a global AI data framework. This framework will establish common standards around the provenance and use of AI training data. By enhancing transparency, this initiative will help mitigate some of the risks associated with biased or misused datasets, ensuring that AI systems are built on reliable and fair data.

5. Creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI

A key recommendation is the creation of an independent international scientific panel on AI, composed of multidisciplinary experts. The panel will provide impartial and reliable scientific knowledge about AI, bridging the information gap between AI research labs and the rest of the world. This body will produce quarterly thematic research digests focusing on how AI can contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will also issue ad hoc reports on emerging AI risks or gaps in governance.

6. Establishment of a Small AI Office

To support the coordination and implementation of these recommendations, the advisory body calls for the creation of a small AI office. This office will be based within the UN Secretariat and will report to the Secretary-General. Its role will include advising on AI-related matters and coordinating with other UN bodies to ensure a unified approach to AI governance. The office will also play a crucial role in implementing the advisory body’s recommendations.

7. Facilitating Intergovernmental and Multi-Stakeholder AI Policy Dialogue

Finally, the advisory body recommends an intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder dialogue on AI governance. This forum will share best practices for AI governance, fostering global cooperation. It will focus on aligning AI governance measures with the goals of development and sustainability, ensuring that AI serves humanity’s collective interests.

The “Governing AI for Humanity” report represents a significant step toward responsible AI governance, aiming to address both the risks and opportunities posed by AI. The ongoing UN summit will provide a platform to discuss how these recommendations can be implemented, with the ultimate goal of ensuring AI serves as a tool for global development and equality.