UN Panel Calls for ‘Human Control’ of AI

The United Nations has called for a calmer, more balanced approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI), urging a shift away from exaggerated expectations and alarmism as it works to ensure meaningful human oversight of the fast-growing technology.

Speaking at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Friday, the UN chief, Antonio Guterres, said the General Assembly had confirmed 40 members to serve on the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, adding that the body is intended to ensure that human oversight of AI systems becomes practically enforceable. 

“Science-led governance is not a brake on progress, but can make it safer, fairer, and more widely shared.

“The message is simple: Less hype, less fear. More facts and evidence.”

Guterres stressed that governance guided by scientific evidence should not be seen as an obstacle to innovation, but rather as a way to make technological advances safer, more equitable, and broadly beneficial. He emphasised the need for decisions grounded in facts and data instead of speculation or fear.

The panel, established in August, is designed to play a role similar to that of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in addressing climate change. 

Its first report is expected before the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, scheduled for July.

According to Guterres, the rapid pace of AI development has surpassed the global community’s ability to fully grasp or regulate its implications.

Earlier this month, Guterres proposed a list of experts for the panel, including Filipino journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and Canadian AI researcher Yoshua Bengio. 

The five-day summit in New Delhi will end on Friday with statements from dozens of world leaders and ministers outlining their approach to managing artificial intelligence globally.