New York, NY – A high-level ministerial side-event at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23, 2024, focused on the critical importance of integrating human rights standards into the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI). Organized by the Netherlands as the 2024 Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), the event brought together government officials, experts, and representatives from civil society organizations to discuss the ethical implications of AI and the need for robust frameworks to ensure its responsible use.
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Alison Gillwald, Executive Director of Research ICT Africa, where panelists explored how to effectively integrate human rights principles into AI development, prevent potential risks, and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speakers included Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Sabhanaz Rashid Diya, Executive Director of Tech Global Institute; Sarah Heck, Policy from Anthropic; Nighat Dad, Executive Director of Digital Rights Foundation; and representatives from various governments and organizations.
In his opening remarks, Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, emphasized the urgent need for a human rights-based approach to AI governance. He highlighted the potential benefits of AI but also acknowledged the risks it poses if not developed and used responsibly.
The panelists discussed a range of issues, including the role of international human rights law in guiding AI development, the importance of transparency and accountability in AI systems, and the need for collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society. They also emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI is developed and used in a way that benefits everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The event concluded with a commitment from the participants to work together to promote human rights-based AI governance and to ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that benefits society as a whole.