Towards a ‘human-centered’ development of AI

A resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) proposed by China with the support of over 140 countries, including the United States, was unanimously passed at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly on July 1. This resolution advocates for the "human-centered" development of AI, emphasising that its benefits should be shared by all nations.

China's resolution for ‘human-centered’ development of AI emphasises prioritising ethical considerations, safety, and societal well-being in the advancement and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This approach aligns with the global trend of ensuring that AI development is not only technologically robust but also ethically sound and beneficial to humanity.

Here are some key aspects and considerations regarding this resolution. First, China’s focus on ethics highlights the importance of developing AI systems that respect human rights, privacy, and dignity. By placing humans at the center, the resolution aims to mitigate risks associated with AI, such as bias, discrimination, and invasion of privacy.

Two, ensuring the safety and security of AI systems is paramount. A human-centered approach seeks to prevent harm to individuals and society by implementing robust safety measures and addressing potential risks and vulnerabilities in AI technologies.

Three, the resolution advocates for AI to be used in ways that enhance societal well-being. This includes applications in healthcare, education, environmental protection and other areas that can positively impact people's lives.

Four is inclusivity and accessibility. Human-centered AI development aims to make AI technologies accessible and beneficial to all segments of society, reducing inequalities and ensuring that the advantages of AI are widely shared.

Five, China’s resolution also emphasises international collaboration and the establishment of regulatory frameworks to guide AI development. This can help harmonise global standards and practices, fostering trust and cooperation among nations.

Six, while prioritising human-centered values, the resolution also recognises the potential of AI to drive economic growth and innovation. Balancing ethical considerations with economic interests is crucial for sustainable development.

China’s resolution for "human-centered" development of AI represents a comprehensive approach to integrating ethical principles, safety and societal benefits into AI technologies. By prioritising human welfare and societal good, this approach seeks to harness the potential of AI in a way that is responsible, inclusive and aligned with the broader goals of sustainable development.

Key aspects of the resolution include a strong focus on equality, and the importance of international cooperation in helping developing countries enhance their AI capabilities. It also stresses the need for these countries to have a greater voice in global AI governance within an "open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment."

Many developing nations have not yet been able to access or benefit from AI due to the widening global digital divide. Therefore, the objective is to ensure that all countries, particularly developing ones, can equally benefit from AI advancements, reduce the digital divide, improve global AI governance, and expedite the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

These countries unanimously agreed that the resolution’s emphasis on AI capacity building and its practical measures are of significant importance in bridging the global digital divide, and promoting the equitable benefits of AI development.

Past global discussions have often focused on AI safety, ethics and governance. However, many low- and middle-income countries lack even the basic AI infrastructure, let alone the capability for AI innovation and application.

The original aim of AI technology was to support sustainable development and bridge the digital divide. But this divide has expanded, making governance issues critically important. Capacity building is essential to help these low- and middle-income countries bridge the digital divide and ensure they benefit from AI.

Still, AI technology is showing promise in developing countries. A survey conducted by Deloitte in May involving 11,900 participants in the Asia-Pacific region revealed that generative AI is transforming the way people work. Deloitte noted that the AI revolution is primarily driven by the younger generation, who have grown up with smart devices, voice assistants and recommendation algorithms.

These individuals have encountered AI in various aspects of their lives, including entertainment, education, healthcare, and daily interactions from an early age. Consequently, they possess digital fluency and the ability to navigate and use AI technologies, stated the report.

Developing economies in the Asia-Pacific region are leading the adoption of generative AI, with adoption rates approximately 30 percent higher than those in developed economies. Daily usage rates are notably higher in India at 32 percent and Southeast Asian countries at 19 percent, compared to Australia 8 percent and Japan 4 percent.

Deloitte attributes this adoption gap partly to the larger proportion of "digitally native" individuals in developing economies. In India, 46 percent of those surveyed were aged between 18 and 35, whereas only 30 percent of respondents in Japan fell within this age group.

Stephen Ndegwa is the Executive Director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communications development think tank, and a PhD student at the United States International University-Africa