UN Secretary-General António Guterres on AI, Security Council reform, and global conflicts
Sep 21, 2024
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António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, discusses pressing global challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. He emphasizes the need for reforming global institutions like the Security Council to adapt to modern crises. Guterres highlights the upcoming Summit of the Future, aiming to establish a Global Digital Compact to address artificial intelligence and the digital divide. He also explores the necessity of international collaboration for peace and security in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes the urgent need for reform in international institutions to address contemporary geopolitical challenges and representation.
The discussion highlights the necessity for a global governance framework for artificial intelligence to ensure equitable benefits across nations, particularly for developing countries.
Deep dives
The Urgency of Reforming Global Governance
The need for reform in international institutions is emphasized due to the world's escalating conflicts and the persistent sense of impunity among nations. The existing framework established post-World War II is increasingly irrelevant to the contemporary geopolitical landscape, where new powers and developing nations require representation and influence in decision-making processes. The Secretary General highlights how the United Nations must evolve to address current challenges, including economic disparities, climate change, and technological advancements, rather than adhering to outdated rules from 1945. Reforms are not merely necessary; they are essential to maintaining order and preventing further global chaos.
Artificial Intelligence and Global Collaboration
The podcast discusses the critical role of the UN in establishing a governance framework for artificial intelligence (AI) as it poses both opportunities and risks to society. There is a pressing need for collaboration among nations to ensure that AI technologies benefit all countries, especially those in the developing world, rather than being monopolized by a few powerful companies. The UN proposes creating an international scientific panel on AI to promote transparency, standard-setting, and capacity building in developing nations, helping to mitigate the growing inequalities exacerbated by AI advancements. This collective effort aims to democratize AI, ensuring that it serves as a tool for progress rather than a source of division.
Navigating Global Conflicts and Cooperation
The discussion shifts to the ongoing global conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, highlighting the limitations of the UN's role in mediating these crises. The Secretary General underscores the necessity for adherence to international law while acknowledging the challenges posed by the actions of aggressive states like Russia and the complexities within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining principles of justice and promoting dialogue among nations to prevent further escalation. The global community's capacity to derive constructive solutions amidst these disputes will be crucial in shaping a more stable and fair international order.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres joins Ian Bremmer on the GZERO World Podcast for an exclusive conversation from the sidelines of the General Assembly at a critical moment for the world and the UN itself. Amid so many ongoing crises, is meaningful reform at the world’s largest multilateral institution possible? Between ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the climate crisis threatening the lives of millions, and a broken Security Council, there’s a lot to discuss. But there are some reasons for optimism. This year could bring the UN into a new era by addressing one of the biggest challenges facing our society: artificial intelligence and the growing digital divide. This year, the UN will hold its first-ever Summit of the Future, where members will vote on a Global Digital Compact, agreeing to shared principles for AI and digital governance. In a wide-ranging conversation, Guterres lays out his vision for the future of the UN and why he believes now is the time to reform our institutions to meet today’s political and economic realities.