SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for broader international oversight of artificial intelligence at 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 small handful of governments and corporations. Guterres pointed out AI as a significant opportunity for advancements in medicine, education, food systems, and employment. He also cautioned that insufficient international cooperation could worsen disparities in income, opportunities, security, and access to vital services.
The secretary-general noted that approximately one-third of the global population remains offline while computing resources, specialized knowledge, and investments are confined to limited markets. He stressed that developing countries require affordable computing, trustworthy data, local language support, technical training, and reliable digital infrastructure. Such resources would enable governments and researchers to create systems tailored to their national needs and public services. Over 20 countries, including China, have proposed centers for a UN-supported network aimed at enhancing AI capacity across different regions and income brackets.
Guterres announced that he would soon present recommendations for a Global Fund for AI and called on governments to back this initiative. He outlined three main priorities: enhancing capacity in developing nations, establishing shared safety standards, and reducing environmental impact. The UN Secretary-General urged the adoption of common testing and risk-management protocols rooted in international law and human rights principles. He emphasized that individuals must maintain control over critical decisions affecting life and safety, regardless of where AI is applied in security, healthcare, or public safety sectors.
Global standards and child protection
Child safety was another key aspect of Guterres’ speech. He particularly addressed AI systems used by children, asserting that no AI should be accessible to a child until developers can demonstrate its safety. His comments placed the onus on governments and technology firms to establish safeguards before products are introduced into schools, homes, or public institutions. He also connected effective AI regulation with equitable participation, stressing that all nations must have a voice when shaping international rules.
Environmental considerations related to AI also played a prominent role in the Shanghai address. Guterres urged leading AI companies to disclose the energy consumption, water usage, and emissions associated with their systems. He called for these companies to transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 and to improve efficiency in their data centers. Governments should incorporate renewable energy plans for AI infrastructure into their national energy and climate strategies, he added. These steps would link digital innovation with existing environmental commitments.
Building capacity and promoting sustainable AI
These proposals coincide with the United Nations expanding its involvement in global AI governance. Member states established a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to facilitate open discussions among governments, industry players, researchers, and civil society. The UN has also advanced scientific collaboration and capacity development for nations with limited technological resources. Guterres stressed that governance frameworks must keep pace with rapid technological evolution while safeguarding human oversight, international law, and public accountability. He reaffirmed that technology should serve people, not dominate them.
During the conference, Guterres framed access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected elements of a shared global challenge. He believes AI can aid progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by improving health, education, agriculture, and public services. The ultimate test, he said, is whether AI reduces inequality or worsens existing gaps. He called on governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing rules, investments, and infrastructure so that artificial intelligence benefits people in every region.