China’s UN Resolution Aims to Bridge Global AI Divide
At the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, a resolution proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 140 countries, including the United States, was unanimously adopted. The resolution calls for a “human-centered” approach to the development of artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing that the benefits of AI should be accessible to all nations.
The resolution highlights the growing digital divide between developed and developing countries in AI capabilities. It stresses the importance of international cooperation to support developing nations in building their AI infrastructure and capacity. By fostering an “open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment,” the resolution seeks to ensure that the voices of developing countries are included in global AI governance.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasized that many developing countries have been unable to access or benefit from AI advancements due to widening digital disparities. “The goal is to help all countries, especially developing ones, equally benefit from AI development, bridge the digital divide, improve global AI governance, and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” Fu stated.
The adoption of the resolution has been warmly welcomed by many developing nations. They agree that focusing on AI capacity building is crucial for bridging the global digital divide and promoting shared benefits of AI development.
The Importance of Capacity Building
Zeng Yi, a member of the United Nations AI Advisory Body and professor at the Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, pointed out that many low- and middle-income countries lack basic AI infrastructure. “The original purpose of AI technology was to empower sustainable development and bridge the digital divide. However, this divide has now widened, making governance issues critically important,” Zeng said. “Capacity building is a crucial core element aimed at helping these low- and middle-income countries bridge this digital divide and ensuring that the benefits of AI reach them.”
AI Adoption in Developing Countries
Despite challenges, AI technology is already showing potential in developing nations. A survey conducted by Deloitte in May of 11,900 people in the Asia-Pacific region found that generative AI is transforming how people work. The adoption rates of generative AI are approximately 30% higher in developing economies compared to developed ones.
Countries like India and those in Southeast Asia are leading in daily usage of AI technologies. In India, 32% of respondents reported daily use of generative AI, while in Southeast Asian countries, the figure was 19%, compared to 8% in Australia and 4% in Japan.
Deloitte attributes this adoption to the larger proportion of “digitally native” individuals in developing economies. Younger generations who have grown up with smart devices and AI technologies are more digitally fluent and adept at navigating these tools.
Looking Ahead
The unanimous adoption of China’s resolution signifies a global commitment to ensuring that AI development benefits all nations equitably. By focusing on capacity building and inclusive governance, the international community aims to bridge the digital divide and harness AI’s potential for sustainable development worldwide.
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China's UN resolution aims to bring equal access of AI to all nations
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