“Collaborative AI Governance: Five UN Agencies Unite for a Better Future at AI for Good”

The leaders of five United Nations (UN) agencies convened under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) at the AI for Good Global Summit to chart a course for the future of AI governance. This landmark gathering took place on May 29, 2024, coinciding with AI Governance Day, and aimed to harness the combined knowledge and resources of the UN system to navigate the challenges and prospects presented by AI. This event also marked the unveiling of the latest ‘UN Activities on AI Report,’ now accessible here.

The panel discussion titled “Leveraging the UN system to advance global AI Governance efforts” included notable speakers such as Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU; Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University (UNU); Daren Tang, Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO); Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO); and Dongyu Qu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The session was expertly moderated by Reinhard Scholl, Programme Chair of AI for Good and Former Deputy Director of TSB at the ITU. During this engaging dialogue, several initiatives aimed at interagency collaboration were showcased, underlining the vital role of the UN in ensuring equitable AI advancements that leave no one behind.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the upcoming collaboration between the ITU and the UNU, which will result in an annual flagship report, underscoring a solid commitment to furthering AI governance through cooperative research and knowledge sharing.

ILO’s Gilbert Houngbo articulated the necessity of adopting an “ecosystem approach” to AI, highlighting the transformative impact AI will have on jobs and livelihoods worldwide. Meanwhile, FAO’s Dongyu Qu illustrated how AI can contribute to food production and support sustainable development, underlining its potential to play a crucial role in feeding the global population.

This assembly of UN agency heads signifies a pivotal advancement in the global endeavor to establish a thorough and inclusive framework for AI governance. With AI for Good leading this collaborative initiative, the UN system is uniting to tackle both the challenges and opportunities associated with AI, promoting international cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnerships aimed at developing governance structures that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Through initiatives such as AI Governance Day and the AI for Good Global Summit, the UN is spearheading efforts to extend outreach and cultivate global consensus on effectively leveraging AI as a force for good, ensuring that no one gets left behind.

Don’t miss the comprehensive recording of the session available on the AI for Good Global Summit’s YouTube channel.

View all the photos on Flickr