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UN Adopts Historic AI Resolution Co-Sponsored by Kenya
Louis Buyisiwe
Saturday, April 6, 2024
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has marked a significant milestone in the governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the unanimous adoption of a groundbreaking resolution, spearheaded by the United States and co-sponsored by Kenya, among other nations.
This resolution, titled:
"Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development,"
This sets a precedent for AI governance on a global scale, particularly highlighting a brighter future for Africa in the AI domain.
Under this resolution, developed nations are urged to extend both technical and financial support to their developing counterparts to foster AI development, thereby narrowing the digital divide and propelling sustainable growth in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This initiative not only promises to elevate Africa from its current status as a primary AI consumer but also aims to fortify the continent's role in the global AI innovation landscape.
Key aspects of the resolution include promoting rigorous testing of AI systems prior to their deployment, alongside the development of sophisticated tools capable of detecting and tracing AI-generated content.
This move is particularly critical in the face of growing concerns over the dissemination of disinformation and misinformation through unregulated AI-generated content.
While UNGA resolutions are not legally binding, the overwhelming consensus on this particular directive underscores a global commitment to a unified approach towards AI governance.
It embodies a vision for an inclusive AI ecosystem that safeguards against the use of technology in undermining peace or human rights while emphasizing the eradication of bias and discrimination within AI systems.
Kenya's ambassador to the UN, Martin Kimani, highlighted,
Nairobi's instrumental role in ensuring the resolution's focus on development, technological transfer, and the preservation of linguistic, cultural, gender, and racial diversity.
This resolution arrives on the heels of the European Union's enactment of the Artificial Intelligence Act, further solidifying a global movement towards the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.
The adoption of this resolution by the UNGA represents a pivotal step forward in harnessing AI for global good, with Africa poised to emerge as a significant beneficiary in this technological renaissance.
