SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for comprehensive international oversight of artificial intelligence at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. He highlighted that the development of technology shaping humanity’s future must include all nations, not just a select few governments and corporations. Guterres pointed out AI’s significant potential for advancements in medicine, education, food systems, and employment. However, he also cautioned that inadequate international collaboration could exacerbate disparities in income, opportunity, security, and access to essential services.
The secretary-general noted that one-third of the world’s population remains without internet access, while computing power, specialized expertise, and investments are concentrated in limited markets. He stressed that developing nations require affordable computing resources, trustworthy data, local language support, technical training, and reliable digital infrastructure. These resources would enable governments and researchers to develop systems tailored to national needs and public services. Over 20 countries, including China, have proposed centers for a UN-supported network aimed at enhancing AI capacity across different regions and income levels.
Guterres announced his intention to soon introduce recommendations for a Global Fund for AI and encouraged governments to endorse this initiative. He outlined three main priorities: boosting capabilities in developing countries, establishing shared safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. The UN Secretary-General emphasized the importance of unified testing and risk management protocols based on international law and human rights protections. He insisted that humans must maintain control over critical decisions, whether in security, health, or public safety, regardless of AI deployment location.
Global frameworks and safeguarding children
Child safety was another key focus of Guterres’ speech. He particularly emphasized systems used by children, asserting that no AI technology should be accessible to minors before developers can demonstrate its safety. His comments placed responsibility on governments and technology companies to implement safeguards prior to products reaching schools, homes, or public institutions. He also linked effective AI governance to equitable participation, stating that every nation must have a voice in shaping international rules.
Guterres also highlighted the environmental footprint of artificial intelligence. He urged leading AI firms to disclose the energy consumption, water use, and emissions associated with their systems. He called for these companies to power their operations with renewable energy by 2030 and to enhance efficiency within data centers. Governments should incorporate renewable energy sources for AI infrastructure into their national energy and climate strategies, he added. Such measures would align digital growth with existing environmental commitments.
Building capacity and promoting green AI
These proposals coincide with the United Nations‘s expanding role in global AI governance. Member states established a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to facilitate open discussions among governments, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society. The UN has also advanced scientific cooperation and capacity-building initiatives for countries with limited technical resources. Guterres stressed that governance frameworks must keep pace with rapid technological advances while safeguarding human oversight, adherence to international law, and public accountability. He reaffirmed that technology should serve people, not dominate them.
During the conference, Guterres framed access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected elements of a broader global challenge. He expressed that AI could help advance the Sustainable Development Goals by improving health, education, agriculture, and public services. The critical question, he said, is whether AI reduces inequality or deepens existing divisions. He called on governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing rules, investing in infrastructure, and sharing resources so that artificial intelligence benefits all regions and populations.