UN Agency Advocates for AI Ethics Amid US-China Tech Rivalry
As the US-China tech rivalry intensifies, a notable push for global standards on AI ethics is being spearheaded by a UN agency. This initiative comes in light of the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements and the geopolitical complexities surrounding them.
Global Forum on AI Ethics
The UNESCO recently held its third Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Bangkok from June 25 to 27. The forum aimed to promote global recommendations concerning AI ethics, attracting over 1,000 participants, including 35 ministers from regions such as Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.
However, the absence of major AI players, including OpenAI and Google, alongside delegations from the US and China, raised questions about the inclusivity of the discussions.
Call for International Collaboration
During the forum, UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the need for governments, businesses, and civil society to collaborate on an international framework that ensures AI serves the collective good.
Thailand’s Initiative
In a significant move, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced plans to train 90,000 AI professionals and invest over US$15 billion in AI infrastructure. This initiative highlights Thailand’s aspirations to become a key player in the global AI landscape.
Furthermore, Thai officials have expressed a commitment to maintaining a neutral stance in the ongoing global tech power struggle, reflecting a desire for independence in AI governance.
Food for Thought
1️⃣ Regional Powers and Independent AI Policies
Thailand’s approach underscores a growing trend among middle powers as they carve out their own paths in AI governance rather than aligning strictly with either the US or China. The Prime Minister’s declaration of Thailand’s non-alignment in the US-China competition is indicative of a broader movement among ASEAN nations to assert their priorities in technology policy.
The UNESCO forum served as a vital platform for representatives from the global south to voice their unique concerns, emphasizing that nations have differing focuses—some prioritize security, while others are more concerned with access to AI technologies.
2️⃣ Challenges in Translating AI Ethics into Governance
UNESCO’s readiness assessment methodology illustrates the arduous process of transforming ethical principles into actionable governance frameworks. The organization’s use of questionnaires to assess government readiness—asking targeted questions like “Is there a specific consideration for the impact of AI on land and water use?”—highlights the detailed evaluations necessary to convert broad recommendations into concrete policies.
Despite the participation of over 70 countries in this methodology, challenges remain, particularly due to the non-binding nature of most international AI agreements and the rapid pace of technological development, which complicates monitoring and compliance.
This implementation gap persists even amid progress in diplomatic engagements, as seen with China’s involvement in the AI safety summit in Britain and the Biden-Xi dialogue in San Francisco, which acknowledged the importance of aligning interests in AI development.
