Rédaction Africa Links 24 with L’Opinion avec MAP
Published on 2024-03-21 20:05:00
Entitled “Seizing the opportunities offered by safe, secure and reliable artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development,” the first UN resolution on Artificial Intelligence was presented to the international press last Thursday by the US Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Linda Thomas Greenfield, and her Moroccan counterpart, Ambassador Omar Hilale.
This consensus resolution emphasizes the need to continue discussions on appropriate governance approaches for AI, based on international law, inclusive and tailored to the different needs and capacities of developed and developing countries. It calls on Member States to promote safe, secure, and reliable AI systems to address the greatest global challenges, including those related to poverty alleviation, global health, food security, climate, energy, and education.
The Kingdom of Morocco, as a pioneer in this field, was the only African and developing country to participate in the press briefing following the historic adoption of the resolution, alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands, and Singapore. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield applauded the consensus around this unprecedented text, noting that all 193 UN Member States spoke with one voice in favor of governing this new technology.
The United States’ choice to involve Morocco in this process demonstrates the strength of the strategic and historical partnership between Rabat and Washington, reflecting the credibility, trust, and respect enjoyed by the Kingdom of Morocco at the UN and international levels under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Ambassador Hilale praised the historic and consensus resolution as the result of a participatory and inclusive negotiation process.
He noted that Morocco is honored to be associated with the presentation and negotiation of this historic resolution from its inception, emphasizing that this first resolution on Artificial Intelligence will be enshrined in the annals of the multilateral organization. Ambassador Hilale highlighted the benefits that AI offers to developing countries, especially in Africa, in various areas of sustainable development.
He stressed that the negotiation process resulted in a balanced and consensus resolution that establishes a common vision through which AI systems can bridge social, digital, and economic gaps between developed and developing countries. The resolution also advocates for effective, equitable, and meaningful participation and representation of developing countries in international processes and forums on AI governance, and calls for improving digital infrastructure connectivity and access to technological innovations through stronger partnerships.
Mr. Hilale also noted that the resolution recommends increased funding for research and innovation related to sustainable development goals in digital technologies and AI systems. He stated that this resolution is not an end in itself but the beginning of a collective effort to shape safe, secure, and reliable AI systems for sustainable development.
Read the original article(French) on L’Opinion
