Prince Albert II calls for global ethical norms and governance of AI at UNGA78

In his address to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA78), Monaco’s Prince Albert II delivered a compelling message regarding the pressing need for a comprehensive framework of ethical norms and global governance for AI. His speech underscored the urgency of completing ongoing efforts in this domain and showed his support for ‘High-Level Advisory Body on AI’ by the UN, aiming to facilitate communication and collaboration among experts worldwide.

The Prince drew attention to the growing threat of cyberattacks employing AI, which are already targeting critical infrastructure, including hospitals and humanitarian operations conducted by the UN. Notably, these advanced techniques have found applications in the security and weapons industries, raising profound ethical concerns. The central question posed by Prince Albert II was whether machines should be entrusted with decisions that have direct implications for human life and death. The Prince emphasised that the ongoing efforts in this direction must be brought to a successful conclusion, as they hold particular significance today.

About the High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence

The High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence is a multistakeholder group initially proposed in 2020 as part of the Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation. The body is being formed to undertake analysis and advance recommendations for the international governance of AI. The UN Secretariat published a public call for nominations of experts to serve as Body members in their personal capacity, including self-nomination. Nominated experts should have leading, relevant expertise among the broad range of fields relevant to the governance of AI or domains of AI application and may include present and former government experts, as well as experts from industry, civil society, and academia.