UN Adopts Chinese-sponsored Resolution on Closing AI gap

KAKALI DAS

The artificial intelligence race is intensifying. China and the US are competing for supremacy, engaging in talent poaching, strategic manoeuvres with tech giants, issuing sanctions, and now leveraging United Nations Resolutions as a new tool in their arsenal.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a new resolution aimed at enhancing AI capabilities in developing nations and fostering international cooperation for AI development. Ironically, this resolution, dubbed AI Unity, has been spearheaded by Beijing and co-sponsored by Washington.

UN Adopts Chinese-sponsored Resolution on Closing AI gap

What does this imply for the AI competition? Is the world prepared for what lies ahead? Moreover, how are nations faring in terms of their readiness for AI?

Terms like fair, open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory might sound like typical corporate jargon from HR101, but they are actually part of a UN resolution on Artificial Intelligence.

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The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a new resolution aimed at enhancing the AI capabilities of developing nations and promoting “international cooperation on capacity building of AI.” In simpler terms, the resolution encourages nations to collaborate on AI initiatives, ensuring that poorer countries also benefit from advancements in AI.

It may sound surprising, but China led this push for tech unity. For Gen Z, this might seem ‘sus’ (suspicious), while for millennials, it’s ironic, given China’s involvement in sending a message of unity. Furthermore, the resolution is non-binding, making it largely symbolic—akin to planning a vacation in a group chat with only promises of attendance.

There is, however, a third and perhaps the most significant reason: China has backed this proposal, with the United States among the co-sponsors. While not a literal war, the two nations are engaged in a tech competition. The US and China are vying for AI dominance worldwide, each racing to set the standards for AI governance. This race has led them to employ various tactics, from directly or indirectly recruiting tech giants to implementing sanctions.

Recently, the US issued draft rules to restrict certain investments in China’s AI sectors. In March, the US sponsored a resolution aimed at monitoring AI for potential risks. This marked the first such initiative, co-sponsored by 123 countries, with China reluctantly joining near the end.

Now, China has enacted its own resolution along similar lines. This move is viewed as a clear bid for influence, with China seizing the opportunity to extend a hand to the US while subtly nudging it forward.

“If you look at the US resolution, it’s more general, and the Chinese resolution is more focused on the capacity building, so that’s why we believe that these are two complementary resolutions. And with respect to the sanctions imposed by the US government, we are firmly opposed to these sanctions. We don’t believe that what the US government’s position or decision will be helpful to the healthy development of the AI technology.” –

So, the US and China are engaging in a passive-aggressive conflict over this issue. While AI is clearly a priority for them, what about other nations? How are they preparing for artificial intelligence and its implications? According to the International Monetary Fund, many are not adequately prepared for what lies ahead.

Last week, the International Monetary Fund released an Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index tracking 174 economies for their readiness in AI across four key parameters: digital infrastructure, human capital and labour market policies, innovation and economic integration, and regulation. Singapore, Denmark, and the US received the highest ratings. India, on the other hand, stands at 72nd place in the index.

According to the report, AI has the potential to enhance productivity and stimulate economic growth, but it also poses a risk of displacing millions of jobs globally, estimated at around 40%. Furthermore, it could exacerbate inequality due to insufficient infrastructure in many countries to fully leverage AI’s benefits.

Considering these factors, the UN resolution arrives at a critical juncture. If implemented effectively, it could potentially mitigate inequality. However, sceptically speaking, it could also serve as a strategic move by Beijing to outmanoeuvre Washington while presenting carefully orchestrated gestures to the global community.

04-07-2024

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