United Nations Resolution on AI Open Doors to Address Risks and Benefits of the Technology

The first of its kind United Nations approves its first resolution on Artificial Intelligence, setting out templates for regulatory framework in addressing the risks and benefits that will be occasioned in using the technology. United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the first global resolution on AI, primarily for protection of personal data, mitigating risks and safe guarding human rights. The resolution sponsored by United States gained the votes of all the members of United Nations on 21 March 2024, US have taken the lead in addressing the need and coexistence of Artificial Intelligence and human rights, and to avoid exploitation of any kind using the technology. United States Vice President, Kamala Harris, acknowledged that it is a step in right  direction especially, the gain of the resolution by establishing a path forward on Artificial Intelligence where every country  can both seize the promise and manage the risk of AI.

Artificial intelligence is indeed a disruptive technology, the early emergence of the technology threw chaotic atmosphere in the work place, workers were scared of being replaced with AI. With the resolution countries can provide comprehensive regulatory framework addressing the risks and benefits of the technology holistically, and AI will be constantly under check with its uses without violating human rights, personal date or offending the spirit of the law, or even post a threat to democratic institutions and processes. European Union have raced ahead of everyone to legislate on AI providing a regulatory framework addressing challenges posed by AI, it is a landmark Act  placing AI on check.

Related articles:

• Five key takeaways from Nigeria’s Student Loan Bill

• Why Living your dreams still define your fundamental objectives

• The alarming poor mental health challenges among young people

Last year November, Rishi Sunak, British Prime and Secretary General of United Nations, Antonio Guiterres, held conversation concerning AI at the UK AI Safety Summit held in the UK. Alongside US and other countries agreed to keep Artificial Intelligence away from rogue activities and advocating for companies to create AI systems that are secured. The Bletchley Declaration, known as the first global statement addressing AI safety,  Acknowledges the significant benefit of AI through transform and enhance human wellbeing, peace and prosperity, and not ignorant of its threats of potential serious, even catastrophic, harm. Rishi Sunak, said: “This is a landmark achievement that sees the world’s greatest AI powers agree on the urgency behind understanding the risks of AI – helping ensure the long-term future of our children and grandchildren.”

2023 World Artificial Intelligence Conference was held in Shanghai, China. The conference was themed “Intelligent Connectivity: Generating the Future.” The Conference was summarised into four key sections: conference and forum, exhibition, contest and awards. It channelled its focus on emerging avenues for industrial and technological advancements, propelling the innovation and development of the next generation of artificial intelligence. All the efforts to curtail the excess of the technology were put in measures to channel it into good use and advancement of human society.