I have been following the development of AI for some time. Indeed, I told the General Assembly six years ago that AI would have a dramatic impact on sustainable development, the world of work, and the social fabric.
But like everyone here, I have been shocked and impressed by the newest form of AI, generative AI, which is a radical advance in its capabilities.
The speed and reach of this new technology in all its forms are utterly unprecedented.
It has been compared to the introduction of the printing press. But while it took more than 50 years for printed books to become widely available across Europe, ChatGPT reached 100 million users in just two months.
The finance industry estimates AI could contribute between $10 and $15 trillion US dollars to the global economy by 2030.
Almost every government, large company and organization in the world is working on an AI strategy.
But even its own designers have no idea where their stunning technological breakthrough may lead.
It is clear that AI will have an impact on every area of our lives – including the three pillars of the United Nations.
It has the potential to turbocharge global development, from monitoring the climate crisis to breakthroughs in medical research.
It offers new potential to realize human rights, particularly to health and education.
But the High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed alarm over evidence that AI can amplify bias, reinforce discrimination and enable new levels of authoritarian surveillance.
Today’s debate is an opportunity to consider the impact of Artificial Intelligence on peace and security — where it is already raising political, legal, ethical and humanitarian concerns.
AI is being put to work in connection with peace and security, including by the United Nations.
It is increasingly being used to identify patterns of violence, monitor ceasefires and more, helping to strengthen our peacekeeping, mediation and humanitarian efforts.
But AI tools can also be used by those with malicious intent.
AI models can help people to harm themselves and each other, at massive scale.
Let’s be clear: The malicious use of AI systems for terrorist, criminal or state purposes could cause horrific levels of death and destruction, widespread trauma and deep psychological damage on an unimaginable scale.
AI-enabled cyberattacks are already targeting critical infrastructure and our own peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, causing great human suffering.
The technical and financial barriers to access are low – including for criminals and terrorists.
Both military and non-military applications of AI could have very serious consequences for global peace and security.
The advent of generative AI could be a defining moment for disinformation and hate speech — undermining truth, facts and safety; adding a new dimension to the manipulation of human behavior; and contributing to polarization and instability on a vast scale.
Deepfakes are just one new AI-enabled tool that, if unchecked, could have serious implications for peace and stability.
And the unforeseen consequences of some AI-enabled systems could create security risks by accident.
Look no further than social media. Tools and platforms that were designed to enhance human connection are now used to undermine elections, spread conspiracy theories and incite hatred and violence.
Malfunctioning AI systems are another huge area of concern.
And the interaction between AI and nuclear weapons, biotechnology, neurotechnology and robotics is deeply alarming.
Generative AI has enormous potential for good and evil at scale. Its creators themselves have warned that much bigger, potentially catastrophic and existential risks lie ahead.
Without action to address these risks, we are derelict in our responsibilities to present and future generations.
We must work together for AI that bridges social, digital and economic divides, not one that pushes us further apart.
We need a race to develop AI for good.
To develop AI that is reliable and safe and that can end poverty, banish hunger, cure cancer and supercharge climate action;
AI that propels us towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
That is the race we need, and that is a race that is possible and achievable.
Excerpts from the UN Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council on Artificial Intelligence, 18 July 2023.