The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has appointed Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, as a member of a high-level advisory body responsible for addressing global challenges and possibilities in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Formation of a Global AI Governance Entity:
The UN Secretary-General established this international entity to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders for the effective governance of AI in the face of rapid technological advancements, ultimately contributing to improved global AI governance.
The high-level advisory body comprises 38 prominent figures worldwide, including government officials, tech entrepreneurs, academics, AI experts, and specialists.
Some notable members include Carme Artigas, Secretary of State for Digitization and Artificial Intelligence in Spain; Ian Bremmer, President and Founder of Eurasia Group; Natasha Crampton, Chief Responsible AI Officer at Microsoft; and Hiroaki Kitano, Chief Technology Officer of Sony Group.
UAE’s Progress in AI and International Cooperation:
Omar Al Olama expressed that his selection for this role is a testament to the UAE’s leadership in AI.
He credited the country’s forward-thinking approach to anticipating future challenges, developing advanced AI solutions, and promoting international collaboration to shape a better future.
Advancing Global AI Governance:
Al Olama highlighted the significance of the UN advisory body in driving international efforts to establish a comprehensive governance system for AI-related domains.
The goal is to harness AI’s potential while ensuring a safe, inclusive, and balanced technological future for all.
Key Functions of the UN Advisory Body:
The UN advisory body’s primary objectives include supporting the UN Secretary-General and member states in building a global consensus on AI-related risks and challenges.
It will explore ways to leverage artificial intelligence to achieve tolerable development goals and promote international cooperation in AI management.
The advisory body will concentrate on three main fields: international AI governance, understanding and mitigating risks and challenges, and harnessing AI to accelerate the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
Bridging Perspectives Across Stakeholder Groups:
The body aims to establish common ground by identifying priorities for governments and the private sector to respond effectively to the rapid advancements in AI and technology.
Experts from the government, the private sector, and civil society will consult and collaborate with existing and emerging initiatives and international organizations.
A Global Initiative for AI Governance:
António Guterres initially announced the launch of this high-level advisory body in July, emphasizing its inclusive approach that brings together multiple stakeholders to analyze and recommend strategies for the international governance of AI.
