UN Chief Antonio Guterres Calls for Democratizing AI to Bridge Global Divides

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today called for democratising Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning that the growing concentration of AI capabilities risks deepening geopolitical divides. Speaking at the AI Action Summit in Paris, the UN Chief emphasised that AI must bridge the gap between developed and developing countries—not widen it.

He said, while some companies and countries are racing ahead with record investments, most developing nations find themselves left out in the cold. He said, The power of AI carries immense responsibilities, but today, that power sits in the hands of a few. He called for a move for an AI that is shaped by all of



humanity, for all of humanity. Mr. Guterres stressed giving the UN a central role in determining the future of AI, recalling the proposal in the Global Digital Compact adopted by world leaders at last year’s Summit of the Future.

The Compact suggested the creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. He asserted that by pooling global expertise, this scientific panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits, and capabilities and help bridge knowledge gaps. He said, for this, a global AI capacity-building network is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.