UAE Expert Named on UN Panel Shaping Global AI Governance
In a significant announcement, António Guterres has revealed the establishment of an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. This initiative aims to create a framework for global governance of AI technologies, responding to the urgent need for comprehensive regulation as AI influences various aspects of modern life.
Formation of the Panel
Guterres submitted a list of 40 specialists to the United Nations General Assembly, among whom is Tuka Alhanai from the UAE. This panel represents a decisive move towards ensuring that AI technologies serve all of humanity. The creation of the panel is part of the broader Pact for the Future, which emphasizes the necessity for stronger multilateral approaches to emergent technologies.
Objectives of the Panel
The proposed panel is characterized as the world’s first fully independent global scientific body dedicated to assessing the real-world impact of artificial intelligence on economies and societies. Guterres remarked, “AI is moving at the speed of light,” highlighting the challenges that individual nations face in grasping the full implications of AI advancements.
The panel aims to:
- Separate reliable science from misinformation.
- Provide an impartial reference point for governments.
- Encourage innovation for the common good.
- Strengthen international cooperation.
Selection Process and Expertise
The experts, including Alhanai, were selected through an open global call that garnered more than 2,600 nominations. Members come from diverse fields such as machine learning, data governance, cybersecurity, public health, and human rights. Importantly, these experts will serve in a personal capacity, independent of any governmental or institutional affiliation.
Timeline and Next Steps
The panel is expected to operate on an accelerated timeline, with its first report anticipated to contribute to a global UN-led discussion on AI governance scheduled for July.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in addressing the complexities of AI technologies and their implications for societies worldwide.
