Secretary Blinken addresses the UN Security Council, emphasizing the need for AI governance to harness its benefits and prevent misuse.
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| U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges global collaboration on AI at the UN, highlighting its potential for good and the risks it poses to peace and security. Image: US Mission in UN |
New York City, USA - December 20, 2024:
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, emphasizing the transformative potential and significant risks of artificial intelligence (AI). The meeting underscored the need for global collaboration to harness AI for societal benefits while mitigating its dangers.
Blinken highlighted AI’s contributions to critical areas, such as combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, improving disaster prediction, and accelerating the development of electric vehicle batteries. He noted that AI could play a pivotal role in achieving nearly 80% of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including advancing healthcare, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation.
Acknowledging AI’s potential dangers, Blinken warned against its misuse. He pointed to its use in destructive cyberattacks, surveillance by repressive regimes, and the risk of malfunctioning AI-powered weapons systems inadvertently sparking conflict. "By setting rules of the road for AI, we can minimize these risks," he stated.
Blinken detailed the United States' efforts in shaping responsible AI development, U.S. tech companies have committed to implementing safety measures, such as AI-generated content watermarks and enhanced cybersecurity.
With Japan’s leadership, the G7 has expanded AI safety guidelines to developers worldwide.
The U.S. introduced the first standalone UN General Assembly resolution on AI, promoting trustworthy systems that respect human rights and foster global progress.
The U.S. is working to improve AI access globally by hosting training programs, creating local data sets, and facilitating knowledge-sharing among member states. Partnerships with Morocco and other nations aim to provide practical AI tools to underserved communities.
Blinken called for collective action against the misuse of AI, urging nations to uphold shared principles and enforce international norms. He highlighted recent commitments, including a U.S.-led treaty ensuring AI applications respect human rights and a bilateral agreement with China affirming human control over nuclear decisions.
The Secretary concluded with a call for ongoing collaboration among governments, developers, businesses, and civil society to shape AI as a force for global progress. He urged the Security Council to lead in setting and enforcing international standards to address AI’s evolving risks and opportunities.
“While no one can fully predict AI’s future, we must act together to ensure it serves as a tool for peace, progress, and security,” Blinken affirmed.