Introduction
On March 21, 2024 [2] [5], the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/78/L.49 [5] [7], a pivotal step in the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) [5]. This resolution [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7], supported unanimously by all 193 Member States, underscores the dual potential of AI to drive global development and the associated risks, particularly concerning human rights and data bias [5]. It marks the Assembly’s first formal engagement with AI regulation, reaffirming commitments to international law and human rights.
Description
On March 21, 2024 [2] [5], the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/78/L.49 [2] [4] [5], marking a significant milestone in the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) [5]. This landmark resolution, which received unanimous support from all 193 Member States, including the United States and 125 co-sponsoring countries [1], emphasizes the potential of AI systems to accelerate global development while acknowledging the associated risks [5], particularly concerning human rights and the dangers of biased data [5]. It is the first instance of the Assembly addressing the regulation of AI and reaffirms commitments to international law, the UN Charter [4], and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights [4].
The resolution underscores the necessity of mitigating risks while ensuring equitable access to AI’s benefits [2], particularly for developing nations [2]. It calls for international cooperation and a global consensus on the safe development and implementation of AI technologies [5], urging AI developers to incorporate international legal assessments into their technology development [5], especially in sensitive sectors like defense [5]. Member States and stakeholders are called upon to refrain from using AI systems that cannot comply with international human rights law or that pose risks to human rights [3], including racial discrimination and bias [6]. The Assembly stresses that the same rights applicable offline must also be upheld online throughout the AI lifecycle [3].
Furthermore, the resolution highlights the urgent need for national regulatory frameworks that align with international obligations [5], recognizing the critical role of the private sector in AI development and human rights protection. It encourages Member States to develop governance frameworks that foster multistakeholder participation [4], creating a supportive ecosystem for AI development. The resolution acknowledges AI’s potential to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [4], including poverty alleviation and environmental protection [6], while recognizing the disparities in technological development among countries and the particular challenges faced by developing nations in keeping pace with AI innovation [3].
In conjunction with this resolution, the European Parliament approved the Artificial Intelligence Act on March 13, 2024 [2], establishing the first comprehensive legal framework for AI globally [2], which aligns with the principles outlined in the UN resolution [2]. The European Union is advancing rapidly in AI regulation [1], having reached a provisional agreement to implement the world’s first AI rules [1]. Meanwhile [1], in the United States [1] [2], following an Executive Order issued on October 30, 2023 [2], regarding the safe development and use of AI [2], the Secretary of Commerce announced the establishment of the US AI Safety Institute Consortium (AISIC) on February 8, 2024 [2]. This consortium [2], part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [2], comprises over 200 prominent AI stakeholders and aims to mitigate AI risks to consumers, workers [1], and minority groups while enhancing national security [1].
The resolution promotes ongoing discussions to establish governance approaches that are agile [7], adaptable [7], interoperable [7], inclusive [2] [4] [7], and responsive to the diverse needs of both developed and developing nations [7]. It emphasizes the importance of safe [7], secure [2] [3] [4] [7], and trustworthy AI systems in achieving sustainable development across economic [4], social [4] [6], and environmental dimensions [4] [6]. Additionally, it highlights the necessity for increased funding for research and innovation related to the Sustainable Development Goals, alongside mobilizing resources for technology transfer and capacity building [4]. The UN system is recognized for its role in fostering global consensus on safe AI systems in alignment with international law [4], while enhancing efforts to eliminate racism and mitigate racial bias in AI technologies [6]. This collaborative approach aims to foster sustainable development through AI that benefits all [7].
Conclusion
The adoption of Resolution A/78/L.49 by the UN General Assembly represents a crucial advancement in the global governance of AI, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and legal frameworks to ensure AI’s safe and equitable development. This resolution [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7], alongside initiatives by the European Union and the United States, highlights a growing global commitment to addressing AI’s challenges and opportunities, aiming to harness its potential for sustainable development while safeguarding human rights and mitigating risks.
References
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/21/the-un-approves-its-first-resolution-on-artificial-intelligence
[2] https://natlawreview.com/article/united-nations-unanimously-adopts-first-resolution-promoting-safe-secure-and
[3] https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147831
[4] https://dig.watch/resource/un-general-assembly-resolution-on-ai
[5] https://insightplus.bakermckenzie.com/bm/data-technology/international-the-united-nations-adopts-its-first-resolution-on-ai
[6] https://press.un.org/en/2024/ga12588.doc.htm
[7] https://executive.graduateinstitute.ch/communications/news/united-nations-ai-resolution-significant-global-policy-effort-harness
