This presentation took place during a press conference at UN headquarters, in the presence of ambassadors and representatives of more than fifty UN member states, representing all regions of the world. Only the American and Moroccan ambassadors spoke at this event, in order to introduce this resolution entitled “Seizing the opportunities offered by safe, secure and reliable artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development”.
The choice made by the United States to involve Morocco as the main co-sponsor of this resolution, unprecedented in the annals of the United Nations, testifies to the solidity and strength of the multidimensional strategic and historical partnership between Rabat and Washington. It reflects the credibility, trust and respect enjoyed by the Kingdom of Morocco at the UN and international level, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
This consensus resolution highlights the need for continued discussions on appropriate AI governance approaches that are grounded in international law, inclusive and tailored to the different needs and capacities of developed and developing countries.
The resolution calls, inter alia, on Member States to promote safe, secure and reliable AI systems to address the world’s greatest challenges, including those related to poverty eradication, global health, food security, climate, energy and education.
In her intervention at this press briefing on behalf of the countries party to this initiative, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, indicated that artificial intelligence has enormous potential to shape economies, societies and the world for best, noting the need to ensure that these benefits extend to countries at all levels of development.
The American diplomat also noted that the resolution establishes a common vision according to which AI systems must be human-centered, reliable, ethical, inclusive, respectful of privacy and oriented towards sustainable development and the protection of rights of Man and international law.
For his part, Ambassador Hilale congratulated the United States for this initiative, and for having involved the Kingdom from its conception, stressing the importance of dialogue among UN member states to ensure that this technology in full evolution serves the common good.
The Kingdom’s ambassador noted that Morocco emphasized, during the negotiations of this resolution, the need to take advantage of AI systems which must bridge the social, digital and economic divides between developed countries and those in development, “and not an AI that takes you further away”.
He further noted that AI offers many potential benefits to developing and particularly African countries in various areas such as health, agriculture, education, climate action and economic growth.
To maximize these benefits, Mr. Hilale stressed the paramount importance of committing investments in AI research and infrastructure to reduce the digital divide between countries.
The Ambassador Permanent Representative of Morocco to the UN finally reiterated the Kingdom’s total support for the “extremely important” issue of artificial intelligence and the central role of international cooperation so that this new technology serves the common good of humanity.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and AI Development Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Maria Chen. You have a rich background in artificial intelligence and its potential impact on global development. Recently, a resolution was introduced at the UN titled “Seizing the opportunities offered by safe, secure and reliable artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development.” What are your thoughts on this milestone?
Dr. Maria Chen: Thank you for having me! The introduction of this resolution is indeed a landmark moment. It marks a significant step toward acknowledging the role AI can play in addressing critical global issues. The alignment between countries, as showcased with the United States and Morocco as co-sponsors, signals a growing recognition of the need for collaborative governance in the AI sphere.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. The partnership between the U.S. and Morocco reflects a historical and strategic alliance. What do you think this relationship means for the future of AI governance on a global scale, particularly for developing countries?
Dr. Maria Chen: The choice of Morocco as a co-sponsor is quite strategic. It elevates Morocco’s position on the world stage and underlines its credibility in international discussions. For developing countries, this not only promotes inclusivity in AI governance frameworks but also provides a platform for their voices to be heard in the conversation. It’s crucial that AI systems are designed with an understanding of diverse needs and capacities.
Time.news Editor: The resolution emphasizes safe, secure, and reliable AI to tackle issues like poverty, health, and climate change. Can you elaborate on how AI can specifically address these challenges?
Dr. Maria Chen: Certainly! AI can significantly enhance data analysis, which is valuable for decision-making in these areas. For instance, in healthcare, AI can help identify patterns in disease outbreaks, enabling faster responses. In agriculture, AI-powered tools can optimize resource use to combat food insecurity. Furthermore, AI can assist in modeling climate scenarios, helping policymakers understand potential future impacts of climate change.
Time.news Editor: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield highlighted that AI has the potential to shape economies and societies for the better. How do you see this potential being realized, especially in the context of development equity?
Dr. Maria Chen: That’s an essential point. To ensure that the benefits of AI extend across all levels of development, we need to focus on capacity building. Developed nations must help bridge the technology gap for developing countries through funding, training, and technology transfer. By fostering a collaborative environment for innovation, we can ensure that everyone reaps the rewards of AI advancements.
Time.news Editor: The resolution also calls for continued dialogue on AI governance. What specific governance approaches do you think would be most effective in promoting ethical AI development?
Dr. Maria Chen: An effective governance approach would require a multi-stakeholder framework that includes not just governments but also private sector actors, academia, and civil society. It should be grounded in international law and human rights, ensuring that AI systems are transparent, accountable, and inclusive. We ought to establish clear ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks that can adapt to the nuances of different countries’ contexts.
Time.news Editor: As we conclude, what would be your message to policymakers involved in implementing this resolution at the national level?
Dr. Maria Chen: My message would be to prioritize collaboration and inclusivity. Engage with a diverse set of stakeholders and ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are included in the dialogue. Sustainable development depends on our ability to harness the power of AI responsibly, and this can only happen through collective effort and a commitment to ethical practices in technology deployment.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your insights. It’s crucial to have experts like you guiding the conversation on AI and sustainable development. We look forward to seeing how this resolution unfolds in the coming months.
Dr. Maria Chen: Thank you for the opportunity! I’m hopeful for what the future holds as we harness AI for good.