IA: Adoption of the first resolution co-sponsored by Morocco and the United States at the UN

Entitled “Seize the opportunities provided by safe, secure and reliable artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development”, this resolution was presented to the international press last Thursday by the Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN, Linda Thomas Greenfield, and her Moroccan counterpart, Ambassador Omar Hilale.

This consensus resolution underscores the need for continued discussions on appropriate AI governance approaches that are grounded in international law, inclusive and tailored to the different needs and capacities of developed and developing countries.

In particular, it calls on member states to promote safe, secure and reliable artificial intelligence systems to address the world’s greatest challenges, including those related to poverty eradication, global health, food security, climate, energy and education.

Morocco was the only African and developing country to participate in the press briefing held after the historic adoption of the resolution, along with the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Bas and Singapore.

In her intervention during this press briefing, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield welcomed the unprecedented consensus on this text, noting that 193 member states of the United Nations spoke with one voice in favor of managing this new technology.

This “revolutionary and inclusive” resolution consolidates the global consensus in favor of safe, secure and reliable artificial intelligence systems that promote sustainable development and respect fundamental freedoms, she said, noting that more than 120 countries representing different regions of the world and all levels of development have given support for this text.

In this context, the American diplomat noted that Morocco is the main co-sponsor of this resolution, unprecedented in the annals of the United Nations.

The choice of the United States to include Morocco in this process testifies to the solidity and strength of the multidimensional strategic and historical partnership between Rabat and Washington. It reflects the credibility, trust and respect enjoyed by the Kingdom of Morocco at the UN and international level, under the enlightened leadership of King Mohammed VI.

For his part, Ambassador Hilala welcomed the historic and consensual resolution that is the result of a participatory and inclusive negotiation process.

He emphasized that Morocco is honored to be associated with the presentation and negotiation of this historic resolution since its inception, noting that this first resolution on artificial intelligence will remain engraved in the annals of the multilateral organization.

The Permanent Representative of Morocco to the UN noted that artificial intelligence offers many advantages to developing countries, especially African ones, in various areas of sustainable development, noting that it was for this reason that Morocco wanted to join forces with the United States on this important process, with the aim of promoting constructive dialogue on artificial intelligence between UN member states and help ensure that this new technology serves the common good of humanity.

He also indicated that this negotiation process resulted in a balanced and consensual resolution that establishes a common vision through which artificial intelligence systems can bridge the social, digital and economic gaps between developed and developing countries.

It is also, according to the ambassador, a resolution that advocates the effective, fair and meaningful participation and representation of developing countries in international processes and forums on the management of artificial intelligence systems and that advocates for improving the connectivity of digital infrastructure and access to technological innovation. through stronger partnerships.

Mr. Hilale further noted that this resolution recommends increased funding for SDG-related research and innovation in digital technologies and artificial intelligence systems.

For the Moroccan diplomat, this resolution is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a collective endeavor to shape safe, secure and reliable artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development, which leave no one behind.