During a United Nations Security Council meeting in Arria format on the impact of artificial intelligence on hate speech and misinformation, His Excellency Omar Sharif, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Science and Advanced Technology, presented the United Arab Emirates' priorities for following an international framework for AI governance. He emphasized the importance of respecting differences, allowing for the development of AI within appropriate national or regional contexts, and avoiding economic gaps between developed and developing countries.
The Council meeting, which was co-organized by the UAE and Albania, aimed to address the challenges of AI, particularly the spread of hate speech and misinformation while maintaining international peace and security. The meeting discussed strategies to tackle these issues, mobilize international cooperation, and develop preventive measures and self-regulation through public-private partnerships.
The Assistant Minister highlighted the benefits of AI in technology development and sustainable development, as well as the potential for effective international collaboration to address concerns related to AI. He pointed out the importance of comprehensive global policies, knowledge sharing, and capacity building to tackle AI governance challenges.
Sharif stressed that "to steer AI towards making ethical decisions that support inclusivity, tolerance, and prosperity rather than the opposite, we must be armed with science and knowledge. We should focus on managing the methods and content of AI learning rather than controlling outcomes and repercussions."
He underscored the importance of avoiding further global polarization in efforts to develop the international framework for AI governance, adding, "Today’s discussion contributes to informing the international community, as well as the Security Council, about the benefits and risks associated with AI and the possible steps to address related challenges."
