UN creates scientific panel on AI
The United Nations announced the formation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The panel, composed of a diverse group of researchers, is tasked with analyzing the social, economic, and ethical impacts of AI to provide evidence-based recommendations for global governance and policy.
This 40-member panel was established following a UN General Assembly resolution that passed overwhelmingly with a vote of 117-2. The United States and Paraguay were the two dissenting votes, with the U.S. expressing concerns that the panel is an overreach of the UN's mandate. The group of experts is mandated to serve for a three-year term, tasked with producing impartial assessments of AI's technological advancements and its societal, economic, and ethical consequences. Their work is intended to create a shared evidence base to support international cooperation on AI governance. The selection process for the panel was extensive, with over 2,600 candidates applying. The chosen experts will serve in a personal capacity, independent of any government or institution. Notable members include Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa and AI research pioneer Yoshua Bengio. This initiative grew out of recommendations from a 2023 UN High-Level Advisory Body on AI and is part of the UN's "Pact for the Future" to enhance multilateral approaches to new technologies. The panel is expected to deliver its first report in time for the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in July.
