United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed support for the "Call for Control of Frontier AI Models," an initiative led by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. The call emphasizes the need for international cooperation to manage the rapidly advancing technology. Guterres stated that the initiative aligns with his concerns about the risks associated with frontier AI models. He welcomed the launch of the call, which aims to establish global standards and verification mechanisms.
The "Call for Control of Frontier AI Models" initiative highlights the potential benefits of artificial intelligence, including improving lives, advancing science, and strengthening economies. However, it also warns of the serious risks to safety and security if the technology is not properly managed. The initiative stresses that AI must remain under human direction, oversight, and control, and be developed and used in line with international law. It calls on companies to develop transparent safety protocols, including mandatory pre-deployment testing and independent evaluation.
The initiative also urges governments and regional organizations to further develop and coordinate common standards, strengthen transparency, and ensure that countries across all regions have access to scientific capacity, expertise, and trusted evaluation. The call has been endorsed by leaders and senior officials from several countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Latvia, Moldova, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.
AI is emerging as a major issue at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, with Guterres identifying the rapidly advancing technology as one of the key challenges facing the international community. He has highlighted AI's enormous potential in areas such as health, education, and climate, while warning that the world cannot afford to ignore concerns about the risks associated with AI development. Guterres has stressed that governments must protect their citizens from AI's risks and that global cooperation is indispensable.
The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI has been established to provide evidence on the technology's opportunities and risks. Guterres has encouraged external experts, including those from frontier AI labs and safety institutes, to engage with the Panel. He has also called for guardrails that build trust and make AI safe, transparent, and accountable, with human dignity at the center.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is being held under the theme "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All." Guterres is scheduled to deliver his final address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, as his tenure as Secretary-General approaches its end. The UN chief has emphasized that international cooperation is more necessary than ever, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by frontier AI models.
The "Call for Control of Frontier AI Models" initiative has gained significant attention, with many countries and organizations recognizing the need for global standards and verification mechanisms. As the world continues to navigate the opportunities and risks associated with AI, Guterres' support for the initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation in managing the technology. The UN will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the global AI landscape.
Key points
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the "Call for Control of Frontier AI Models" initiative, advocating for global standards and verification mechanisms.
- The initiative emphasizes the need for international cooperation to manage the rapidly advancing technology and ensure that AI remains under human direction, oversight, and control.
- Guterres has stressed that governments must protect their citizens from AI's risks and that global cooperation is indispensable in addressing the challenges posed by frontier AI models.
