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 encompass all nations, not just a select few governments and corporations. Guterres pointed out AI as a significant opportunity for advancements in medicine, education, food security, and employment. He also cautioned that insufficient international cooperation could exacerbate disparities in income, opportunities, safety, and access to vital services.
The secretary-general noted that one-third of the global population remains offline, while computing capacity, specialized expertise, and investment are concentrated within limited markets. He stressed that developing nations require affordable computing resources, trustworthy data, local language support, technical training, and reliable digital infrastructure. Such resources would enable governments and researchers to develop systems tailored to their national priorities and public services. Over 20 countries, including China, have proposed establishing centers for a UN-supported network aimed at enhancing AI capabilities across different regions and income brackets.
Guterres announced plans to soon present recommendations for a Global Fund for AI and called on governments to endorse this initiative. He outlined three key priorities: enhancing capacity in developing nations, establishing shared safety standards, and reducing environmental impact. The UN leader emphasized the importance of harmonized testing and risk-management protocols based on international law and human rights. He insisted that control over critical life-and-death decisions must remain with humans, regardless of where AI is employed in security, healthcare, or public safety sectors.
Global standards and safeguarding children
Child safety was another core focus of Guterres’ speech. He underscored that no AI system should be accessible to children before developers can demonstrate its safety. His comments placed the responsibility on governments and technology firms to implement safeguards before products are introduced into schools, homes, or public services. Furthermore, he linked effective AI governance to equitable participation, asserting that every nation must have a voice when international rules are formulated.
Environmental considerations of artificial intelligence also played a prominent role in the Shanghai speech. Guterres urged leading AI companies to disclose their energy, water, and emissions footprints. He called for a shift to renewable energy sources for AI operations by 2030 and for increased efficiency in data centers. Governments should incorporate clean energy strategies for AI infrastructure into their national energy and climate policies, he added. These actions would align digital innovation with existing environmental commitments.
Building capacity and promoting environmentally friendly 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 stakeholders, researchers, and civil society. The organization also promotes scientific collaboration and capacity building for nations with limited technological resources. Guterres stressed that governance frameworks must evolve in tandem with rapid technological progress while safeguarding human oversight, adherence to international law, and public accountability. He reaffirmed that technology should serve humanity, not dominate it.
During the conference, Guterres linked the issues of access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected parts of a shared global challenge. He expressed optimism that AI could advance the Sustainable Development Goals by improving health, education, agriculture, and public services. The ultimate measure of success, he argued, is whether AI reduces inequality or simply widens existing divides. He called on governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing rules, making investments, and developing infrastructure so that artificial intelligence benefits people everywhere, regardless of region.