In a resolution adopted on 26/8, the UN General Assembly agreed to establish the Independent International Scientific Council on Artificial Intelligence. The decision aims to facilitate dialogue between governments on AI, a revolutionary technology that some countries fear could "threaten democracy and human rights".

The 40-member council, with 3-year terms, will be appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. It will issue evidence-based scientific assessments, synthesize and analyze existing research related to the opportunities, risks, and impacts of AI.

Representatives of member states attend a session of the UN General Assembly on 28/7 in New York, USA. Photo: UN

Representatives of member states attend a session of the UN General Assembly on 28/7 in New York, USA. Photo: UN

According to the resolution, governments and other stakeholders will hold annual dialogues on AI governance. The first dialogue is scheduled to take place at the AI for Good Summit in Geneva, Switzerland next year.

The parties will discuss international cooperation, sharing best practices and lessons learned, as well as dialogue on AI governance to help the world achieve the UN's global development goals and other objectives.

"AI is developing at a speed and scale that affects every country and territory in the world," said Costa Rican ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde, who co-facilitated the discussions leading to the new UN General Assembly resolution. "With this resolution, the UN reaffirms its central role in ensuring that AI serves humanity."

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)