The United Nations General Assembly adopted its first resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) this Thursday, reached by consensus among all member states. The aim is to promote safe, responsible, and equitable AI development to prevent inequalities between nations and to curb potential misuse, as noted in the resolution (UN context, 2024).
“Recognizing that safe, secure, and reliable AI systems that are people-centered can be trusted, explained, ethical, and inclusive, and that they fully promote and protect human rights and international law, safeguard privacy, support sustainable development, and are accountable, they have the potential to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and to contribute to sustainable development in its three dimensions — economic, social, and environmental — in a balanced and integrated way,” the document states (UN sources, 2024). [citation: United Nations]
Additionally, the General Assembly affirms that the thoughtful development of this technology can drive digital transformation, foster peace, bridge the digital divide both within and among countries, and enhance the protection and enjoyment of human rights (UN records, 2024). [citation: United Nations]
On the other hand, the text acknowledges that AI may be misused or exploited in ways that undermine sustainable development across its three dimensions and hinder progress toward the 2030 Agenda (UN documentation, 2024). [citation: United Nations]
Therefore, the resolution urges both public and private sector entities, media outlets, civil society, and other organizations to create an ecosystem that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge sharing under mutually agreed conditions at all levels (UN statement, 2024). [citation: United Nations]
It also calls on member states to cooperate with developing countries to prevent lagging behind in AI progress, aiming for inclusive and equitable access to its benefits. The resolution emphasizes encouraging the private sector to adhere to international law and to act according to UN principles (UN briefing, 2024). [citation: United Nations]
The General Assembly also notes that data foundations are essential to the development of AI systems. It highlights governance that is fair, inclusive, responsible, and effective for data, along with improving data generation, accessibility, and infrastructure (UN report, 2024). [citation: United Nations]
As AI continues to evolve, member states agree to keep dialogue open about new developments in data governance so that international approaches stay aligned with AI system evolution (UN committee notes, 2024). [citation: United Nations]
US Welcomes the Adoption of the Text
From Washington, senior government officials applauded the resolution, introduced by the United States and co-sponsored by 120 countries, calling it a historic step toward safe and reliable AI systems (US government statements, 2024). [citation: U.S. Government]
“The United States welcomes the UN General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution that lays out principles for deploying and using AI. President Biden and I are committed to establishing and strengthening international rules and norms for this emerging technology,” said Vice President Kamala Harris in a White House release (White House, 2024). [citation: White House]
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan added that the text represents a historic step toward promoting AI systems that are safe and reliable, and it will help shape a global view on how countries respond to the opportunities and challenges posed by AI (White House, 2024). [citation: White House]
He also noted that the document was developed in consultation with civil society and the private sector, taking into account the priorities and concerns of developing countries (White House, 2024). [citation: White House]
All in all, the resolution signals a shared commitment to ensure AI benefits are broad-based, responsibly governed, and conducive to international cooperation across borders and sectors (UN briefing, 2024). [citation: United Nations]