SHANGHAI, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for wider international oversight of artificial intelligence during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. He highlighted that the development of technology shaping humanity’s future must include input from all nations, rather than a select few governments and corporations. Guterres noted AI as a significant opportunity for advancements in medicine, education, food systems, and employment. He also cautioned that insufficient international collaboration could exacerbate disparities in income, opportunities, security, and access to vital services.
The secretary-general pointed out that one-third of the global population remains offline while computing power, specialized knowledge, 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 dedicated to building AI capacity across different regions and income levels.
Guterres announced plans to soon present recommendations for a Global Fund for AI and called on governments to back this initiative. He outlined three main priorities: enhancing capacity in developing nations, establishing shared safety standards, and reducing environmental impacts. The UN leader emphasized the importance of standardized testing and risk management procedures rooted in international law and human rights protections. He insisted that individuals must maintain control over critical decisions, whether related to security, healthcare, or public safety, regardless of where AI technologies are deployed.
International standards and child protection
Child safety was another key focus of Guterres’ address. He highlighted the importance of systems used by children, stating that no AI tool should be accessible to a child before developers can demonstrate its safety. His comments placed the responsibility on governments and technology companies to implement safeguards prior to products reaching schools, homes, or public institutions. He also connected effective AI governance to equitable participation, asserting that every nation must have a voice in shaping international regulations.
The environmental footprint of AI was prominently addressed in the Shanghai speech. Guterres urged leading AI companies to disclose the energy, water, and emissions associated with their systems. He called for these firms to transition to renewable energy sources by 2030 and to improve efficiency in data centers. Governments should also incorporate clean energy solutions for AI infrastructure into their national energy and climate strategies, he added. These actions would align digital innovation with ongoing environmental commitments.
Building capacity and promoting sustainable AI
These proposals coincide with the United Nations expanding its leadership 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 development for countries with limited technological resources. Guterres emphasized that governance frameworks must keep pace with rapid technological progress while safeguarding human oversight, international law, and public accountability. He reiterated that technology should serve people, not dominate them.
During the conference, Guterres framed access, safety, and sustainability as interconnected aspects of the same international challenge. He expressed that AI has the potential to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through improved health, education, agriculture, and public services. The true test, he said, is whether the technology reduces inequality or deepens existing divisions. He urged governments and corporations to collaborate on establishing rules, investing in infrastructure, and sharing resources so that artificial intelligence benefits people across all regions.