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UN Makes History: First Global AI Resolution Adopted

UN Adopts First Global AI Resolution
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has taken a significant step forward by unanimously passing the first-ever global resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) on 22nd March 2024. This historic resolution aims to:
- Promote the safe, secure, and trustworthy development of AI technologies
- Safeguard human rights
- Bridge the digital divide between nations
The Importance of the UN’s AI Resolution
The adoption of this resolution highlights the growing importance of AI in today’s world. It also emphasizes the critical role the UN plays in:
- Global governance
- Regulation of emerging technologies
Factors Leading to the UN’s First Global AI Resolution
The United Nations (UN) adopted its first global resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) due to growing concerns over the potential misuse of AI technologies. These concerns include the impact of AI on:
- Human rights
- Privacy
- Security
Calls for International Cooperation
There have been increasing calls for international cooperation to address the challenges posed by AI. The international community has recognized the need to ensure that AI development is guided by:
- Ethical principles
- Respect for human rights
The UN’s resolution is a response to these calls and aims to foster global collaboration in addressing the risks associated with AI.
The Process of Adopting the Global AI Resolution
The global AI resolution was adopted through a collaborative effort by several nations. The key steps in the adoption process were:
- The United States proposed the resolution
- 120 other nations co-sponsored the resolution
- The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution through consensus

Widespread Support Among UN Member States
The unanimous adoption of the resolution demonstrates the widespread support for it among the UN’s 193 member states. This support highlights the global recognition of the importance of promoting responsible AI development and use.
Non-Binding Nature of the Resolution
It is crucial to understand that the AI resolution adopted by the UN is non-binding. This means that it does not create any legal obligations for member states to follow.
Still it serves a significant purpose. It acts as a powerful statement of the international community’s commitment to:
- Promoting the responsible development of AI technologies
- Ensuring the ethical use of AI
Key Components of the Global AI Resolution
The global AI resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) contains several essential components that aim to promote the responsible development and use of AI technologies. Let’s explore these components in detail.
1. Respecting International Human Rights Laws
The resolution encourages member states to refrain from deploying AI in ways that are inconsistent with international human rights laws. This includes:
- Avoiding the use of AI for surveillance that violates human rights
- Preventing the use of AI for profiling or discrimination

2. Raising Awareness and Addressing Diversity
The resolution calls for raising awareness about AI and addressing diversity issues in its development. This involves:
- Promoting public understanding of AI technologies
- Strengthening investments in AI education and training
- Ensuring that AI development is inclusive and benefits all segments of society
3. Developing Safeguards and Standards
The resolution advocates for the development of safeguards, practices, and standards for AI development. This includes:
- Establishing governance frameworks for AI
- Creating oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability
- Ensuring that AI systems respect human rights
Comparing the Global AI Resolution to Other International Efforts
The United Nations (UN) global AI resolution is part of a growing international effort to promote the responsible development and governance of AI technologies. Let’s see how it compares to other initiatives.
European Union’s AI Act
The European Union’s AI Act passed on 13th Mar 2024 aims to create a comprehensive legal framework for the development and use of AI in the EU. It aims for:
- A risk-based approach to AI regulation
- Stricter rules for high-risk applications
- Lighter touch regulation for low-risk applications
The Bletchley Declaration
The global AI resolution also builds on the Bletchley Declaration, signed by 28 nations in November 2023. The declaration focuses on the development of AI systems that are “secure by design” and calls for:
- The development of technical standards
- The establishment of best practices to ensure the security and resilience of AI systems
Challenges and Criticisms Surrounding the Global AI Resolution
While the adoption of the UN’s global AI resolution has been widely welcomed, there are also some challenges and criticisms surrounding it.
Non-Binding Nature of the Resolution
One of the main concerns is the non-binding nature of the resolution, which means that it does not create any legal obligations for member states. Critics argue that without binding commitments and enforcement mechanisms, the resolution may have limited impact on the actual development and use of AI technologies.
They call for stronger measures, such as:
- International treaties
- Binding regulations
These measures would ensure that AI is developed and used in a responsible and ethical manner.
Final Thoughts
Despite these challenges and criticisms, the adoption of the global AI resolution is a major step towards the responsible AI technologies. Moving forward, it will be essential for the international community to:
- Build on the momentum generated by the resolution
- Work towards more binding commitments and enforcement mechanisms
- create cooperation and dialogue among all nations, including those with differing views on AI regulation