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United Nations

United Nations Adopts Resolutions on Artificial Intelligence and Security Council Reform

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted several critical resolutions, including one establishing a scientific panel on artificial intelligence (AI) and a global dialogue on its governance. The Assembly also adopted a text on cooperation between the UN and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Meanwhile, the Assembly concluded its discussion on the reform of the Security Council, with speakers emphasizing the need for a more accountable, representative, and inclusive Council.

Key Takeaways:

  • The General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing a scientific panel on artificial intelligence (AI) and a global dialogue on its governance, with the aim of promoting sustainable development and bridging digital divides.
  • The Assembly also adopted a text on cooperation between the UN and the Commonwealth of Independent States, noting the important of strengthening cooperation between the two entities.
  • The Assembly concluded its discussion on the reform of the Security Council, with speakers emphasizing the need for a more accountable, representative, and inclusive Council.
  • Iraq's delegate emphasized the importance of full inclusion of developing countries in shaping the future of AI governance, stressing principles of sovereignty, equity, and transparency.
  • The European Union's representative welcomed the consensus on AI governance, stressing that the mechanisms will contribute to building the UN's membership's capacity on AI by fostering shared knowledge and common understanding.
  • The United States' representative expressed serious reservations about the text on cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States, viewing it as duplicative of UN efforts.
  • The representative of Italy, speaking on behalf of the Uniting for Consensus Group, welcomed the productive and focused discussions on Security Council reform, emphasizing that Security Council reform must remain a Member State-driven process.
  • Bahrain's delegate, speaking for the Arab Group, noted that the Pact for the Future reaffirmed the Member States' commitment to reforming the Security Council and injected renewed momentum into the negotiation process.
  • Japan's delegate, speaking for Brazil, Germany, and India, stressed that reform of the Council is urgently needed and must be advanced without delay, warning that failure to act undermines trust in the UN itself.

Statistics:

  • 40 experts will comprise the panel on artificial intelligence, tasked with assessing its risks, opportunities, and impact.
  • The General Assembly adopted the resolution on AI governance by a recorded vote with the United States as the only Member State voting against.
  • 114 Member States voted in favor of the text on cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States.
  • 19 Member States abstained from the vote on cooperation with the Commonwealth of Independent States.
  • The Security Council currently has 15 members, with 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members.
  • The Pact for the Future reaffirms the Member States' commitment to reforming the Security Council and injected renewed momentum into the negotiation process.

Sources:

  • United Nations Press Release (no date)
  • Document A/79/l.118
  • Document A/79/L.114
  • Document A/79/L.103

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