Chinese envoy Zhang Jun urged for genuine multilateralism in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) governance during a UN Security Council briefing on Tuesday. Acknowledging the dual nature of AI as a potential boon or bane, Zhang emphasized the importance of regulation, the balance between development and security, and putting ethics first. He called for extensive dialogue and consensus-building to formulate guiding principles for AI governance, with the United Nations playing a central coordinating role.
What’s the concept of multilateralism?
During the UN Security Council briefing on artificial intelligence, Chinese envoy Zhang Jun strongly emphasized the utmost significance of prioritizing ethics in the development of AI. With the potential impact of AI surpassing human cognitive boundaries, Zhang underscored the critical importance of adopting a people-centered and AI-for-good approach. He highlighted the necessity of gradually establishing and continuously improving ethical norms, laws, regulations, and policy systems specifically tailored to govern AI technology, thus ensuring its responsible and beneficial application for the betterment of humanity.
Zhang further emphasized that safety must be upheld as the highest priority, as the development and application of AI-related technologies inevitably entail uncertainties. To safeguard against potential risks and negative consequences, Zhang advocated for heightened risk awareness, the establishment of effective warning mechanisms, and the fundamental capability to halt AI systems during critical moments, thus preventing occurrences of risks that may exceed human control and ensuring that the deployment of autonomous machines does not lead to violence or harm.
By incorporating these ethical and safety considerations, the development, and governance of AI can align with the broader goals of enhancing global well-being and creating a future where AI serves as a force for positive transformation and progress. In international relations, multilateralism refers to an alliance of multiple countries pursuing a common goal. This would also mean competing selectively within existing institutions and via new ones to better defend democratic values against authoritarian rivals.
Promoting inclusive and responsible AI collaboration
Zhang Jun placed significant emphasis on the imperative of ensuring equal access and utilization of AI technology for developing countries. He sees AI in a pivotal role in bridging the technological and digital divides that exist between nations. He underscored China’s staunch opposition to the formation of exclusive small circles and the creation of technological barriers that impede the technological progress of other countries. Instead, Zhang passionately advocated for a paradigm of open cooperation, which entails fostering interdisciplinary exchanges, promoting collaboration across industries, regions, and borders, and actively rejecting any form of exclusivity, decoupling, or disconnection.
To achieve these goals, Zhang emphasized the critical need for coordinated efforts among international organizations, government bodies, research, educational institutions, enterprises, and the public, all working collaboratively within the framework provided by the United Nations. By nurturing an environment that is open, inclusive, just, and non-discriminatory for the development and governance of AI, a truly equitable and accessible landscape can be created. This will allow countries worldwide to participate actively and contribute to the advancements in AI technology while simultaneously benefitting from its potential.
Emphasizing AI for sustainable development and common well-being
Zhang emphasized the fundamental purpose of AI technologies, which is to enhance the common well-being of humanity. He encouraged exploring the potential of AI in promoting sustainable development, cross-disciplinary integration, and innovation. By empowering global development efforts, AI could contribute to the broader development cause. But, he also urged responsible defense policies, opposing any use of AI for military hegemony or undermining the sovereignty of other countries. China remains committed to global cooperation on AI, implementing initiatives for development, security, and civilization in the field while sharing the benefits with the international community and addressing risks and challenges collaboratively.
