UN Special Envoy stresses need for inclusive AI governance at multi-stakeholder workshop

The Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Amandeep Gill has participated in a multistakeholder workshop on international AI governance. The event, held as a follow-up to the high-level roundtable titled “Setting up Efficient and Truly Inclusive AI Governance?”, took place at the Grand Palais and brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of AI governance.

The workshop aimed to build consensus on the scope and structure of an inclusive AI governance system while laying the groundwork for the implementation of a Global Dialogue on AI, as outlined in the Global Digital Compact. The discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI governance frameworks are equitable, transparent, and representative of all voices, particularly those from developing nations and marginalized communities.

In his address, Under-Secretary-General Gill noted the urgent need for a unified approach to AI governance. He underscored the importance of fostering international cooperation to address the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI technologies. “Building consensus on the AI governance system and its scope is critical to ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared by all, while minimizing its risks,” he stated.

Mr. Gill also highlighted the role of the Global Dialogue on AI, a key initiative proposed in the Global Digital Compact. This dialogue aims to create a platform for inclusive and transparent discussions on AI governance, bringing together governments, industry leaders, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders to shape the future of AI in a way that aligns with human rights, democratic values, and sustainable development.

The workshop featured valuable insights from Maritza Chan Valverde and Héctor José Gómez Hernández, co-facilitators of the UN intergovernmental process on the AI Panel and Dialogue. Their contributions underscored the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches to AI governance, ensuring that all countries, regardless of their technological advancement, have a voice in shaping global AI policies.

Under-Secretary-General Gill expressed his gratitude to all participants for their thoughtful and impactful contributions to the discussion. He acknowledged the critical role of multistakeholder collaboration in addressing the complex challenges posed by AI and emphasized the need for continued dialogue and cooperation to build a governance framework that is both effective and inclusive.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye