Gill expressed concern about the potential for AI to increase the digital divide, particularly between countries in the Global South and the rest of the world. He called for a nuanced understanding of AI, beyond its promise and peril, to ensure access to opportunity and empowerment. Gill also stressed the importance of a common understanding of the risks and governance tools associated with AI, and the need for agile, distributed models for AI governance. He expressed optimism about the potential of AI to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals, but also voiced concerns about the concentration of tech and economic power, and the potential for AI to subvert democracy.
Key takeaways:
- The U.N. can bring inclusiveness, legitimacy, and authority to the table in setting guardrails for artificial intelligence, according to Gill.
- Challenges for the U.N. include ensuring meaningful, substantive discussion and getting the private sector, civil society, and the technology community involved meaningfully.
- Gill believes that governments can influence the direction that AI takes, promoting a diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem.
- Gill is hopeful about the potential of AI to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, but worries about the concentration of tech and economic power in a few hands.