The 78th Session of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, “Enhancing international cooperation on capacity-building of artificial intelligence” (A/78/L.86), introduced by China. This resolution aims to bridge AI disparities, particularly enhancing technological capabilities in developing nat
The 78th Session of the UN General Assembly adopted a draft resolution titled “Enhancing international cooperation on capacity-building of artificial intelligence” (A/78/L.86). Proposed by China, this resolution aims to address AI disparities between and within countries, particularly enhancing technological capabilities in developing nations.
The resolution approved on Monday follows the first UN resolution on artificial intelligence, adopted on March 21, which was led by the United States and co-sponsored by 123 countries, including China. This earlier resolution garnered global support for ensuring AI is “safe, secure, and trustworthy,” enabling all nations to benefit.
This resolution follows the March adoption of Resolution 78/265, “Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development,” proposed by the U.S., and the June launch of UN global principles to combat misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. It requests a report from the Secretary-General on the unique challenges developing countries face regarding AI and recommendations to address these issues. Additionally, the Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence will publish a final report ahead of the UN’s “Summit of the Future” in September.
The resolution highlights AI’s significant role in socioeconomic development and notes that developing countries are not fully benefiting from these technologies, widening the global digital divide. It emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in AI through knowledge sharing, funding, and capacity-building assistance. The text also underscores the need for ethical AI systems that respect human rights and international law, without addressing AI’s military uses.
The resolution calls on the global community to foster international cooperation and create a fair business environment. Member states are urged to remove barriers for developing countries and integrate capacity-building into their national development strategies. It also encourages governments, the private sector, the media, and academia to work together to reduce technology barriers.
The adoption of these two non-binding resolutions demonstrates that despite their rivalry in many areas, the United States and China are both committed to playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of AI. Their cooperation on these initial significant international measures highlights a shared determination to influence the development and regulation of this powerful new technology.
