Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly
14 January 2022
Excellencies,
Over the past years, digital innovation has proceeded at a breathtaking pace. It has transformed our societies, remodeled our economies, and revolutionized communications.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated these trends, as we have increasingly turned to digital means for work, information, and social interaction.
The incredible advances we have made in Artificial Intelligence have been a key aspect of these ongoing revolutions. AI technology can be used to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, advance our scientific understanding, and drive progress on multiple spheres, including healthcare, education, retail, banking and manufacturing.
However, the pace of development of technology has often outpaced that of the social structures that implicitly guide and regulate it, such as law or ethics. AI in particular exemplifies this trend as it has become so pervasive in everyday life for so many, seemingly overnight. This proliferation, coupled with the relative complexity of AI compared to more familiar technology, has the potential to breed fear and mistrust.
Given the proven potential of these advances to fundamentally alter our way of life, we must ensure that they are regulated in accordance with the highest ethical standards, and in line with international law, including international human rights law.
As we strive to close the digital divide and provide broader access to cyberspace, we must simultaneously take pains to protect the privacy, safety, and security of individual users and ensure the overall well-being of the global community.
I applaud UNESCO for undertaking the two year process of compiling ‘Recommendations on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence’, and for adopting these recommendations during its General Conference’s 41st session, held on 24th November 2021.
I encourage the global community to reflect on, and build upon, these guidelines when crafting frameworks relevant to the ethics of AI.
By prioritizing principles such as accountability, transparency, and equitable access, we can positively harness the power of these technologies. This has the potential to help fuel a better recovery, to enable us to meet our Sustainable Development Goals, to fulfill our human rights obligations, and to expand society’s horizons.
Thank you.
