2023 CIFTIS - Global Forum on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Investment

A recording of these remarks can be found on Tencent and YouTube

Honourable Guests, 

Distinguished Delegates, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

I am pleased to address you today at the “Global Forum on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Investment", as part of the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services. This forum is an important platform for us to explore the intersection of these two critical areas and how they can contribute to advancing our shared ambition of sustainable development and meeting the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The world is currently undergoing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by the increased adoption of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), gene editing and advanced robotics that traverse the areas of the physical, digital and biological worlds. This revolution offers unprecedented opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and social progress. At the same time, it presents us with complex challenges that require global cooperation and concerted efforts.

AI, as an emerging technology, is rapidly advancing and a driving force of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. AI is already shifting production and consumption processes, impacting society more broadly. The rise of the newest form of AI, generative AI, has seen unprecedented attention, speed and reach. AI, if harnessed responsibly, has the potential to be a pivotal tool to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With less than eight years left to achieve the SDGs, we must explore such innovative solutions. 

During my time in China, I have witnessed the remarkable progress that China has made in both the field of Artificial Intelligence and sustainable development. China has demonstrated how AI can help to address some of the most pressing challenges we face today, from climate change to poverty eradication and more. 

At the same time, we must ensure the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI to safeguard human rights, social equity, and environmental sustainability. While artificial intelligence is both a rapidly growing sector for sustainable investment and a powerful tool for advancing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it also has potential downsides that need to be addressed. Without increased financial, technological, and capacity-building support, AI adoption will lag across much of the Global South, further exacerbating inequalities.

Fears are rising, particularly with generative AI, that AI tools and increased automation will put more people out of decent work, posing social and economic challenges. Similarly, ongoing gender biases in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields threaten to perpetuate inequalities within the algorithms that will shape our future. 

These challenges, in addition to data security, privacy and other human rights concerns, require international cooperation and the development of a global governance architecture for AI. The United Nations, as the international organization working for peace and security, development, and human rights, recognizes the transformative potential of AI in achieving the SDGs. But we also recognize the need to address the ethical, legal, and social implications AI brings. This is why the Secretary-General called for the development of a Global Digital Compact, to be agreed to by Member States at the Summit of the Future in September 2024. This compact will outline shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all and will cover issues related to AI, internet fragmentation and digital connectivity. In addition, the Secretary-General has called for the establishment of a High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence to undertake analysis and advance recommendations for the international governance of AI. 

UN specialized agencies are also taking action to advance these issues. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization has proposed the idea of Investment Promotion 4.0, which explores the potential of leveraging advanced digital technologies to promote investment in achieving the SDGs. The precise matching of big data through AI can facilitate efficient matching between supply and demand, and the development of sustainable investment can provide a more stable and long-term market demand for the application of AI.

The International Telecommunication Union has established the "AI for Good" initiative, which aims to leverage AI technologies to address the world's most pressing challenges. This initiative brings together governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to foster collaboration and innovation in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and climate action. By promoting the ethical use of AI, the full potential of AI to accelerate progress towards the SDGs can be unlocked. 

At the UN, we will continue to support countries in developing AI strategies, fostering innovation ecosystems, and strengthening digital infrastructure. By equipping nations with the necessary tools and expertise, we intend to bridge the digital divide and ensure that AI benefits all, leaving no one behind.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we gather here today, let us heed the words of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and develop an “AI that bridges social, digital and economic divides, not one that pushes us farther apart. We need a race to develop AI for good. To develop AI that is reliable and safe and that can end poverty, banish hunger, cure cancer, and supercharge climate action.” The UN stands ready to support Member States, including China, in realizing the potential of AI while upholding human rights, social equity, and environmental sustainability.

In closing, I wish you fruitful deliberations during this forum. May your discussions inspire concrete actions and foster partnerships that will drive us closer to a future where AI and sustainable development go hand in hand. Thank you for your attention and commitment to building a better world.

Thank you.