The draft resolution was initiated by the United States, and supported by more than 50 other member States. The text aims to have a global impact, benefiting countries of all levels of development. The US set ambitious goals for the draft, intending to persuade all 193 member States of the UN to support it. The resolution, while non-binding, emphasizes the potential of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems to accelerate sustainable development, promote peace, and overcome digital divides. It reaffirms the commitment to the UN Charter, but also the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also acknowledges the risks associated with the improper or malicious design, development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence systems, which could hinder progress towards sustainable development, widen digital divides, reinforce inequalities, and undermine human rights. It does not call for a single global governance framework, which was advocated by the UN’s Advisory Body, but recognizes that each country will need to take its own approach to regulating AI.

The interests in terms of AI regulation vary enormously from continent to continent, but also from country to country. Therefore, getting all member states on the same page is no easy task. The US, which aligns its interests more with the businesses which have their headquarters there, prioritizes fostering development and revenue for businesses, while Europe focuses on strict data privacy standards. African States struggle with accessibility and inclusion in AI advancements, as availability is heavily dependent on internet access and data usage is often biased towards the Global North.

Sensitive policy topics unaddressed

The resolution highlights the need for regulatory and governance approaches, frameworks, and standards to promote safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems, and encourages Member States and stakeholders to develop and support such approaches. It emphasizes the importance of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the design, development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence systems, calling upon all Member States and, where applicable, other stakeholders to refrain from or cease the use of artificial intelligence systems that pose undue risks to the enjoyment of human rights.

By prioritising consensus, the text avoids contentious AI governance areas, such as the exclusion of military use of AI, which leaves crucial matters unaddressed. Moreover, the resolution is also very lenient in terms of regulating the industry. Private companies such as Google, Meta or Open AI wield significant influence in AI development, but the text only encourages private sector compliance with AI laws.

Developing countries

The resolution also recognizes the challenges developing countries face in keeping pace with rapid technological change and encourages international cooperation, capacity building, and technical and financial assistance to bridge digital divides. It calls upon Member States and other stakeholders to take action to cooperate with and provide assistance to developing countries towards inclusive and equitable access to the benefits of digital transformation and safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems.

In sum, the resolution contains promising conclusions but is rather symbolic. At the legislative level, it carries little weight.