The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously approved a groundbreaking resolution on artificial intelligence (AI), marking an important step towards ensuring the responsible and equitable development of this transformative technology. The resolution, sponsored by the United States and co-sponsored by 123 countries, including China, received widespread support from all 193 member nations.

Described as a "historic" development by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, the resolution sets forth principles to guide the safe and beneficial use of AI. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hailed it as a landmark effort and a first-of-its-kind global approach to AI development.

The resolution emphasizes that AI must serve the public interest and be adopted in a manner that protects individuals from potential harm while ensuring everyone can enjoy its benefits. President Joe Biden, who had previously expressed the United States' commitment to collaborating with other nations in harnessing AI for good, welcomed the resolution.

Over the past few months, the United States worked alongside more than 120 countries, including Russia, China, and Cuba, to negotiate the text of the resolution. The United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the wide consensus achieved, underscoring the need for global governance of AI technology.

The resolution aims to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries, ensuring that all nations can participate in discussions on AI and have access to its benefits. It recognizes the rapid acceleration of AI development and stresses the urgency of achieving global consensus on safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems.

Furthermore, the resolution acknowledges the evolving nature of AI governance and calls for further discussions on potential approaches. It emphasizes that innovation and regulation can coexist harmoniously, with many big tech companies expressing support for AI regulation while also advocating for rules that align with their interests.

The European Union has already taken strides by giving final approval to comprehensive AI rules, which are set to take effect by May or June. Other countries, including the United States and China, as well as the Group of 20 major industrialized nations, are also actively working towards developing AI regulations.

While General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they serve as an important expression of global opinion. The resolution calls on countries, regional and international organizations, tech communities, civil society, and academia to develop and support regulatory and governance frameworks for safe AI systems. It also warns against improper or malicious use of AI inconsistent with international law.

At its core, the resolution aims to leverage AI to advance progress towards the United Nations' ambitious development goals for 2030, such as eradicating global hunger and poverty, improving global health, providing quality education, and achieving gender equality. It emphasizes the need to respect, protect, and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the lifecycle of AI systems.

Ambassadors from the Bahamas, Japan, the Netherlands, Morocco, Singapore, and the United Kingdom expressed their strong support for the resolution, echoing the sentiments of the U.S. ambassador who described it as a pivotal moment for the United Nations and multilateralism.

This resolution marks an important milestone in international efforts to ensure AI is used responsibly and for the benefit of all. While it represents just the first step, it lays the foundation for ongoing discussions and cooperation in governing this powerful technology.