UN chief warns of AI risks, diverging from Trump's view

Guterres, speaking ahead of the UN General Assembly, indicated that the need for enhanced AI governance would be a central theme in his discussions with global leaders. He emphasized that protecting citizens from AI threats is a primary responsibility of governments. Public concern over AI's potential dangers has been amplified by statements from industry insiders, including an Anthropic researcher who resigned partly due to beliefs that AI could pose an existential threat by the end of the decade. Some industry leaders have even called for a slowdown in AI development.

Trump, however, downplayed these concerns, asserting on Monday that the U.S. already possesses adequate regulatory and prosecutorial frameworks for AI companies. He also suggested that casting doubt on AI development could benefit China. Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week in Washington, with Reuters having previously reported that the two countries were planning separate, lower-level discussions on AI risks.

The UN has been actively engaging with the issue of AI governance. In 2023, a 39-member advisory body on AI was established, comprising tech executives, government officials, and academics. Diplomats also indicated that the UN Security Council might hold a meeting on artificial intelligence during the upcoming General Assembly, following its first-ever meeting on the topic in 2023. Guterres stressed the need for a shared understanding to ensure AI's safe, secure, and responsible advancement, while also identifying when more robust safeguards might be required.