The Critical Role of the UN in AI Regulation

For many years, I have been advocating for a coordinated international response to the rise of AI. The rapid development of AI technologies necessitates a collective effort to regulate and harness its potential for the benefit of humanity, with the absence of a unified governance framework leaving AI in a precarious position, with significant implications for our future.
Globally, various AI governance frameworks have been established, such as the OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence, the European Union’s Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI, and many others. However, only a few countries have adopted these frameworks, leaving the majority without comprehensive AI governance. This fragmented approach poses a significant risk as AI technologies continue to advance and integrate into our daily lives.
The UN’s recent final report on AI governance “Governing AI for Humanity” published September 2024, underscores the critical nature of AI, equating its importance to that of climate change. The report outlines seven key recommendations to address AI-related risks and governance gaps:
Establishing an International Scientific Panel on AI: This panel would provide impartial, reliable scientific knowledge about AI, helping member states develop a shared understanding and address information asymmetries.
Creating a new policy dialogue on AI governance: This dialogue would involve intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder meetings to foster common ground and regulatory interoperability rooted in human rights.
Developing an AI standards exchange: This initiative would ensure the technical interoperability of AI systems across borders, involving representatives from standards organizations, tech companies, and civil society.
Forming a global AI capacity development network: This network would boost AI governance capacities by offering training, compute resources, and AI datasets to researchers and social entrepreneurs.
Establishing a global AI fund: This fund would support AI projects in developing regions, particularly in the global south, to harness AI’s benefits and participate in its governance.
Creating a global AI data framework: This framework would ensure transparency and accountability in AI systems.
Setting up an AI office: This office would support and coordinate the implementation of these proposals.
I am also pleased that my calls for the establishment of an independent panel for AI have been supported by the UN. This is essential to maintain transparency and accountability of the global AI community and the need for an independent panel of international experts to oversee this important work.
The UN report also calls for a renewed dialogue among its 193 member states to address AI risks and coordinate actions. It emphasizes the need for the UN to empower developing nations, particularly in the global south, to harness AI’s benefits and participate in its governance, with recommendations aligning with the Global Digital Compact, which aims to address disparities in digital access between countries.
My extensive experience with the UN and my numerous contributions to the field of AI and technology lend significant weight to these calls for action. As the Chairman of the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development and a former member of the UN Global Compact board, I have been at the forefront of efforts to integrate technology into global development strategies. My books and articles on AI provide valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges posed by this transformative technology.
The UN plays a crucial role in regulating AI. I have consistently highlighted the importance of the UN in fostering international cooperation and ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity. However, there are concerns about how effectively the UN can implement and enforce AI regulations, especially given the lack of a specified timeframe for establishing these governance structures.
To advance AI governance, a unified global effort is essential. I am committed to providing all available resources through TAG.Global to support this cause, as it is vital to develop a coordinated approach to fully leverage AI’s worldwide potential.

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh