The 40 experts aim to help close “the AI knowledge gap” and assess the real impact that cutting-edge technology will have on economies and societies so that countries can act with the same “clarity” on a level playing field.
Nobody can do it alone
The experts will provide independent scientific assessments of any government, company or institution, including the United Nations.
“AI is advancing at lightning speed… no country, no company, and no field of research can see the big picture alone”, added that “the world urgently needs a global and shared understanding of artificial intelligence; Based not on ideology, but on science..”
The stakes couldn’t be higher.
AI will shape peace and security, human rights and sustainable development for decades to come.
Warning of the potential for misunderstandings around AI, the UN chief said: “I have seen how quickly fear can take hold when data is missing or distorted. How trust is broken and division deepens.”
At a time when “geopolitical tensions are rising and conflicts are in full swing,” the need for shared understanding and “safe and responsible AI could not be greater.”
‘Race against time’
As AI develops rapidly, Guterres told scientists that the panel is also “in a race against time.”
Addressing concerns that AI is advancing too quickly, he said that “Never in the future will we move as slowly as we do now.. In fact, we are at a high level of acceleration.”
Building on progress made in another UN initiative, the High-Level Advisory Body on AI, which addresses AI policy-oriented issues, the Secretary-General emphasized that the new panel of scientists is not “starting from scratch.”
“I can think of no more important task for our world today.”
Nobel laureate Maria Ressa is one of the 40 experts on the panel; See our recent interview with her about the age of AI below: