New Delhi witnessed a pivotal moment on Thursday as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres took center stage at the India AI Impact Summit. Addressing global leaders and tech innovators at Bharat Mandapam, Guterres issued a stark warning about the double-edged sword of artificial intelligence.
He emphasized that AI must augment human capabilities rather than replace them. ‘We must invest in workers so AI enhances human potential, not supplants it,’ Guterres declared, underscoring the need for workforce reskilling amid rapid technological shifts.
Guterres called for AI development to prioritize societal good, tackling social, economic, and ecological challenges head-on. ‘Real impact means technology that improves lives and protects our planet,’ he said. He urged making dignity the default setting for AI accessible to all.
Highlighting environmental concerns, the UN chief pointed to AI’s skyrocketing energy and water demands. Data centers and supply chains, he argued, should transition to clean power sources instead of burdening vulnerable communities.
Safety remains paramount. ‘AI must be safe for everyone,’ Guterres stressed, advocating protections against exploitation, manipulation, and misuse. In light of ongoing debates over social media’s harm to children, he firmly stated no child should be a guinea pig for unregulated AI experiments.
Equity in AI access is non-negotiable. Without investment, many nations risk being left behind. Guterres renewed his push for a global AI fund, now targeting $3 billion—less than 1% of a single top tech firm’s annual revenue, like Microsoft’s $305 billion.
While AI risks deepening inequalities, amplifying biases, and causing harm, its potential to elevate humanity is immense when guided responsibly. Guterres’ vision sets a roadmap for inclusive, sustainable AI innovation.