The UN General Assembly adopted, by consensus on Thursday, the first-ever UN resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) initially co-sponsored by Morocco and the United States and by 123 Member States at the moment of its adoption.
Entitled “Seizing the Opportunities of Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Systems for Sustainable Development”, the resolution was presented last Thursday to the international media by The U.S Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas Greenfield and her Moroccan counterpart Ambassador Omar Hilale.
This consensual resolution highlights the need for continued discussions on possible governance approaches that are appropriate, based on international law, interoperable, adaptable, inclusive, responsive to the different needs and capacities of developed and developing countries alike.
It calls on Member States to promote safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems to address the world’s greatest challenges, including those related to poverty elimination, global health, food security, climate, energy, and education.
Morocco was the only African and developing country that participated in the press briefing held following the historic adoption of the resolution, alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands and Singapore.
Speaking at the press briefing, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield welcomed the consensus around this unprecedented text, saying that the 193 Member States of the United Nations spoke with one voice in favor of governing the new technology.
This “groundbreaking and inclusive” resolution consolidates the global consensus in favor of safe, secure and reliable AI systems that promote sustainable development and respect fundamental freedoms, she added, noting that more than 120 countries representing the different regions of the world and all levels of development have supported this text.
The U.S diplomat recalled that Morocco was a main co-sponsor of this first-ever resolution on AI in the history of the United Nations.
The choice made by the United States to involve Morocco as the main co-sponsor of this unprecedented resolution in the history of the United Nations, testifies to the solidity and strength of the multidimensional strategic and historical partnership between Rabat and Washington. It reflects the credibility, trust and respect that Morocco enjoys at the UN and international level, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
For his part, Ambassador Hilale hailed a historic and consensual resolution resulting from a collaborative and inclusive process.
He underlined that Morocco was honored to be associated in the presentation and the negotiation of this landmark resolution, which will remain engraved in the annals of the UN.
The diplomat pointed out that artificial intelligence offers numerous benefits for developing countries and particularly for African countries in various fields of sustainable development, adding that this is the reason why Morocco has joined efforts with the U.S on this important process, with the aim to enhance a constructive dialogue on AI, among UN member states, and to help ensure that this fast evolving technology serves the common good of Humanity.
He also said that the negotiation process has resulted in a balanced and consensual resolution which establishes a common vision through which AI systems can bridge social, digital, and economic divides, between developed and developing countries.
This text calls for developing countries’ effective, equitable and meaningful participation and representation in international processes and forums on the governance of artificial intelligence systems and aspires to enhance digital infrastructure connectivity and access to technological innovations through stronger partnerships, he underlined.
Hilale further stated that the resolution recommends increasing funding for research and innovation linked to the Sustainable Development Goals in digital technologies and artificial intelligence systems.
For the Moroccan ambassador to the UN, this resolution is not an end in itself, but the beginning of our collective journey to shape a Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Systems for Sustainable Development, that leaves no one behind.
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