UN Secretary-General Candidate Urges Global Regulations for Artificial Intelligence

New York (ANTARA) - United Nations Secretary-General candidate Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has stated that the UN’s role in drafting international regulations regarding artificial intelligence (AI) will become increasingly vital in the future.

Rodrigues-Birkett, who currently serves as Guyana’s representative to the UN, noted that member states will ultimately require the UN’s involvement in AI governance. “Member states will reach a point where the UN’s role in AI governance becomes more advanced,” Rodrigues-Birkett told RIA Novosti.

According to her, many nations have begun developing their own individual approaches to regulating AI. However, the need for shared regulations that can be applied by all countries is being increasingly discussed at a global level.

Rodrigues-Birkett stated that the rapid development of AI demands that the UN adapts more quickly to technological changes, particularly as such technology also influences diplomacy. “However, in today’s technological era, with AI, things do not happen in decades. Every day we see new things happening. Therefore, I am certain the UN must also adjust to that speed, because diplomacy now also takes place on the internet,” she said.

Rodrigues-Birkett also encouraged the formulation of international principles to regulate AI, allowing new technologies to continue evolving while still considering the various accompanying risks. She noted that while AI can provide numerous benefits, its development also raises concerns, particularly regarding its impact on employment and creativity.

Rodrigues-Birkett is currently leading the race for the next UN Secretary-General position. In the second informal vote by UN Security Council members, her candidacy received support from eight out of 15 nations, more than any other candidate.