UN Chief Tells AI scientists they need “to help shape how it is used”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres informed the inaugural meeting of a new independent group of experts on Artificial Intelligence convened by the UN that they have a substantial responsibility to help shape its use for the benefit of humanity.

He told the scientists at the first meeting of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI that they individually bring diverse regional and disciplinary perspectives with outstanding expertise in AI and related fields. Collectively, they represent an unprecedented global assembly.

The 40 experts aim to address the AI knowledge gap and assess the technology’s impact across economies and societies. This will enable countries to act with clarity on a level playing field.

The panel will provide scientific assessments independent of any government, company, or institution, including the United Nations. The Secretary-General stated that AI is advancing rapidly and that no single country, company, or field of research can see the full picture alone. He added that the world urgently requires a shared, global understanding of artificial intelligence grounded in science.

AI will influence peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development for decades. Warning of the potential for misunderstanding, the UN chief noted he has seen how quickly fear can take hold when facts are missing or distorted, leading to broken trust and deepened division. At a time of rising geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts, the need for shared understanding and for safe and responsible AI is great.

The Secretary-General told the scientists the panel is in a race against time. Addressing concerns about the pace of AI development, he stated that we will never again move as slowly as we are now and that we are in a period of high acceleration.

Referencing progress from the UN’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI, which addresses policy-oriented issues, he emphasized that the new scientific panel does not start from zero. He concluded by stating he can think of no more important assignment for the world today.