Digital on Day 1 of UNGA79: UN debates AI’s role amid urgent calls for responsible digital governance
Welcome to the first daily report from the General Debate of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, where global leaders converge to address pressing issues impacting humanity. This year’s discussions are particularly timely, as the world grapples with rapid technological advancements and their implications for society. Central to these debates is the topic of AI, which has been identified by Secretary-General António Guterres as an existential threat alongside the climate crisis.
As nations share their perspectives, the emphasis on responsible governance and collective action resonates throughout the debate, highlighting the urgent need for frameworks that ensure emerging technologies are harnessed for the common good.
Setting the stage: AI as a central focus in the UN
The tone for each General Debate is set by the Secretary-General of the UN, and the current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has long had digital technologies – and AI in particular – in mind and on the agenda.
He once again dedicated a substantial portion of his speech to AI, identifying it as an existential threat alongside the climate crisis. He raised critical questions about AI’s future impact on freedom, sustainability, and information integrity, warning that a few companies currently hold significant power over its development without adequate oversight. Without a global management framework, AI risks creating deep divisions and a ‘Great Fracture’ with separate internets and economies.
The UN is uniquely positioned to facilitate dialogue and cooperation on AI based on international law and values. Guterres welcomed initial steps such as the Global Digital Compact and General Assembly resolutions as foundational for inclusive AI governance, urging collective action to ensure AI serves as a force for good.
Other countries followed suit. While the opportunities presented by AI have been acknowledged, national statements echoed a strong sense of urgency and collective responsibility, emphasising the critical need for responsible governance of artificial intelligence amid its rapid advancement and potential risks.
Brazil highlighted the dangers of knowledge oligopolies, advocating for an inclusive AI that promotes cultural diversity, human rights, and peace and called for global governance that includes all states. This was echoed by Colombia, which warned against a global oligarchy and urged the necessity of controlling AI through public power. Vietnam and Monaco also called for the establishment of global governance frameworks to maximise the benefits of emerging technologies while safeguarding against their misuse.
The USA pointed to the dual nature of AI, along with Latvia, acknowledging its potential for scientific progress while also warning of profound risks, including misinformation and deepening inequalities. ‘AI must grow responsible to our collective needs and values’, the USA noted, urging the importance of ensuring that AI supports, rather than undermines, the core principles of humanity.
Development: A call for equal AI access
As in previous UN General Assembly debates, development was the most prominently discussed digital issue. Countries once again called for bridging the digital divide, with an increasing emphasis on ensuring equal access to AI.
To this end, Türkiye advocated for equal access to breakthroughs like AI, exemplified by hosting the UN Technology Bank for Least-Developed Countries to bridge gaps in access. The Maldives emphasised that a robust ICT infrastructure and education are vital for a digital future. By expanding AI access in essential services such as healthcare and education, they aim to empower the next generation with the necessary skills for a competitive global economy. Similarly, Paraguay emphasised that technology, alongside education, is crucial for development and social inclusion, and called for innovative regulatory frameworks, such as sandboxes and co-regulation, to ensure their responsible use and equitable application.
Speaking on the same issue, Chile warned that AI often perpetuates existing biases, raising concerns about whether we can trust technologies regulated solely by large companies. To protect the most vulnerable, the international community must demand greater transparency through traceable algorithms and data audits.
Qatar and Sierra Leone expressed their commitment to fostering global governance aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Qatar endorsed the Pact for the Future to ensure coordinated efforts toward climate resilience and energy transition, while Sierra Leone pledged support to the Global Digital Compact (GDC), focusing on safe and trustworthy technologies to transform critical sectors like agriculture and infrastructure.
Moving to Central Asia, Tajikistan shared it was implementing a national strategy for digitalisation and proposed a UN resolution to highlight AI’s role in creating socioeconomic opportunities. Kyrgyzstan noted that it integrated the SDGs into its National Development Strategy, stressing the need for modern technology transfer to enable less developed countries to foster independent growth.
Vietnam called for equitable resource allocation, advocating targeted support for developing nations through technology transfer and investment facilitation. Poland highlighted the challenges to achieving the SDGs, underscoring the need for renewed commitment.
On climate change, Nauru urged developed nations to acknowledge their historical responsibility and fulfil commitments under the Paris Agreement by providing climate finance and technology transfer. Paraguay shared its approach towards building a green economy by leveraging its abundant natural resources and human capital.
Sociocultural: Dis- and misinformation on the rise
In an era where information flows faster than ever before, dis- and misinformation and hate speech are reshaping our world in dramatic and often dangerous ways. Switzerland, Nigeria, Estonia and Latvia acknowledged these issues in their speeches.
Switzerland expressed concern over the rise in disinformation, stating that private and state actors use it to deepen polarisation, sow discord and destabilise states. Nigeria also highlighted the harmful effects of unfiltered hate speech and fake news across social media, impacting both rich and poor nations alike.
However, as Nigeria noted, there is much more that we could and should do, together, to strengthen those guard rails that will help release the most progressive elements of the new technologies shaping our world.
Some solutions were proposed: Switzerland emphasised that debunking illegitimate influence, fostering open debate, and providing transparent information are key to addressing disinformation, while Latvia highlighted building resilience against disinformation and promoting media literacy. Estonia highlighted the importance of developing critical thinking and ensuring global access to education, stressing that UN resolutions must consider the new mechanisms used to undermine international peace and security.
Cybersecurity: Combatting cybercrime and cyberterrorism
Traditionally one of the most talked about topics, cybersecurity was not prominent on Day 1: Only two countries, Türkiye and Tajikistan made reference to cybersecurity issues. Tajikistan emphasised the need for the international community to collaborate effectively to combat cybercrime, while Türkiye highlighted the cyberterror attacks in Lebanon as an example of how deadly technologies can be when used as weapons.
Other issues
Nigeria stressed the importance of working towards common global standards to regulate cryptocurrency trading platforms, to provide confidence in these new markets and to limit the potential for instability. The country noted that in its own case, the trading of crypto-currency helped fuel speculation and undermined macroeconomic reforms.
Nigeria also underlined that new technologies, when not properly regulated, can facilitate organised crime, violent extremism and human trafficking.
However, as Estonia noted, positive changes are possible: The country highlighted their digital, cyber-secure society where citizens feel that they themselves are the state. Freedom combined with proper technology and an innovation-oriented mindset are the best tools for finding long-term solutions, Estonia concluded.
This summary was generated by humans and provides a comprehensive overview of how digital issues were tackled during the first day’s discussions, which took place on 24 September 2024.
For real-time updates, follow our live coverage on the Digital Watch Observatory’s dedicated page through DiploAI reports, written by our AI reporting tool.
