Towards Consensus on AI Science and Governance
In a significant development within the realm of artificial intelligence governance, the 80th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly recently witnessed the launch of two pivotal initiatives: the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.
These initiatives are rooted in the Global Digital Compact and were legitimized through resolution A/RES/79/325, adopted on August 26. They stemmed from recommendations reported in September 2024 by the High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, proposed initially in 2020 as part of the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation (A/74/821).
Global Dialogue on AI Governance
The Global Dialogue on AI Governance aims to provide an inclusive platform within the UN for member states and stakeholders to discuss critical issues regarding AI. This initiative emphasizes interoperability between governance frameworks and fosters open innovation. It seeks to create a stable environment for coordinating AI governance, assisting in the development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems.
This initiative has received positive feedback from the World Economic Forum, highlighting that as AI capabilities expand globally, many countries remain unrepresented in significant international governance initiatives. As of now, 118 countries are not part of any major AI governance framework, with only seven developed countries participating in all current significant global initiatives.
Independent International Scientific Panel on AI
The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI is designed to bridge the gap between advanced AI research and policymaking. It will provide rigorous, independent scientific assessments to help the international community address emerging challenges and make informed decisions regarding AI governance. This panel will consist of 40 global experts who will produce annual scientific reports on the risks, opportunities, and impacts of AI.
An open call for panel members is currently underway, closing on October 31. The panel will be co-chaired by representatives from both a developed and a developing country, ensuring a diversified perspective.
Challenges and Critiques
While the UN’s new AI governance structure has been hailed as a symbolic triumph, critics raise concerns regarding its effectiveness. Key challenges include:
- Speed of Technological Change: International institutions often struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies. The UN’s consensus-driven approach may not be agile enough to respond to unpredictable crises or ‘black-swan’ events, making it difficult to achieve timely cooperation.
- Lack of Enforcement: The UN lacks mechanisms to enforce resolutions, relying on voluntary cooperation from member states. The absence of participation from major AI-developing nations, such as the US or China, could render its resolutions ineffective.
- Funding Issues: The sustainability of these initiatives hinges on funding from member states, with the United States being a major contributor. Recent discussions about reassessing financial commitments could jeopardize the financial viability of these projects.
- Representation Challenges: Ensuring adequate representation of experts from the global south may prove difficult, especially if they face resource constraints in their current roles. This could impact the quality of research and subsequent policy development.
- Focus and Outcomes: There is skepticism about whether the initiatives will prioritize world-leading research on AI governance or if they will instead focus on meeting broader UN social development goals.
In conclusion, while the UN’s efforts to foster international cooperation on AI governance are commendable, the effectiveness and impact of these initiatives remain uncertain.
