UN chief warns, "AI race without safeguards could trigger a colossal catastrophe"

[Financial News] United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres urged international cooperation, warning that continued competition to develop artificial intelligence (AI) without safeguards could cause a global "colossal catastrophe."
At a meeting with reporters at UN Headquarters in New York on the 16th (local time), Secretary-General António Guterres said, "We must not ignore the concerns raised by those at the forefront of AI development," adding, "Protecting people, including from the threats posed by AI, is the primary responsibility of every government."
Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that countries with the greatest capabilities at the forefront of AI technology "must establish systems for communication and information sharing and put in place some common safeguards." He said this was necessary to prevent safety standards from being lowered during the race to develop AI.
He warned that otherwise, it could "one day lead to a global colossal catastrophe."
Secretary-General António Guterres said he would discuss AI safety and stronger oversight with national leaders as key agenda items during the UN General Assembly next week.
According to Reuters, diplomats said the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) may also discuss AI next week. The UNSC, which is responsible for international peace and security, held its first meeting on AI as an agenda item in 2023.

[email protected] Lee Seok-woo, International Affairs Specialist Reporter