Global AI Governance is Essential

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
AI (ProPro) is a technology which is revolutionizing our world in ways we have never seen before. It brings opportunities to improve the wellbeing of humanity promote justice and foster peace. However, it also presents challenges concerning rights, democracy, security and the environment. How can we ensure that AI works in the interest of the public while respecting the values and dignity of every individual?

The current state of AI governance falls short and lacks consistency. There is no agreement, on principles and legal standards that should guide the development and utilization of AI. While countries like the US, UK, China and EU have established frameworks for governing AI, these frameworks are fragmented, inconsistent and often lack transparency and accountability. Unfortunately decision making processes shaping the future of AI largely exclude the voices of a majority of the world’s population— those, from less privileged regions, particularly those in the Global South. This situation increases the risk of deepening inequalities reinforcing power imbalances and limiting agency.

We must adopt an inclusive and people focused approach, to governing AI. This approach should be firmly grounded in the principles outlined in the UN Charter, international human rights law and the Sustainable Development Goals. It is crucial that AI aligns with the core values of democracy, justice and accountability across all sectors and regions of society.

In 2021 the UN High level Advisory Body on AI was established by the Secretary General to propose a vision for such an approach. The body has put forward five guiding principles for AI; upholding dignity, safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms promoting inclusion and diversity ensuring transparency and explainability and establishing accountability and oversight mechanisms. Additionally, it has called for a coordinated action plan to implement these principles through collaboration among stakeholders from various fields of expertise.

The right time to take action is now, while AI is still in its initial stages of growth which has already been significant and wide ranging. We cannot afford to let it be driven by interests or short term gains. Our focus must be on utilizing AI for the good while aligning its access and benefits with values. Currently control over AI remains concentrated within a number of tech companies; therefore democratizing access, to it is essential. To fully harness its potential while mitigating risks associated with it requires us to establish a global governance framework for AI.

I urge all stakeholders worldwide to examine the efforts made by the United Nations in developing a regulatory framework, for this crucial technology. It is essential that we prevent tech companies from monopolizing it for financial gain, considering its immense potential to revolutionize our lives and to address the significant challenges we currently face on this planet.