On April 2nd, 2025, amidst a complex global backdrop marked by new US tariff announcements potentially signaling heightened trade tensions, the United Nations hosted a crucial Information Session with Stakeholders on AI Governance. The Metaverse Institute was honoured to contribute to this vital dialogue, represented by CEO Dr. Christina Yan Zhang. The session underscored the urgent need for international cooperation on Artificial Intelligence, even as geopolitical friction persists.
The timing was stark: as discussions unfolded on harnessing AI for global good, headlines reflected a world grappling with economic nationalism. This juxtaposition highlights the central challenge of our time – how can we build unprecedented global collaboration required to manage AI’s profound potential and perils?
The UN, through initiatives like the Global Digital Compact, is laying the groundwork. Member States have agreed to establish an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and foster a Global Dialogue on AI Governance, with Costa Rica and Spain commendably co-facilitating this process. These steps are crucial, but the path forward requires navigating significant hurdles.
In her address, Dr. Zhang echoed warnings from leading AI figures like Geoffrey Hinton, emphasizing the critical need for collective action to ensure the race towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) – AI smarter than humans – does not inadvertently lead humanity towards existential risks. Key concerns raised included:
- Existential Threats & Global Safety: Prioritizing international collaboration to steer AGI development away from potential catastrophic outcomes.
- Sustainability Imperative: While AI offers tools to combat climate change, its own environmental footprint – water and energy consumption, e-waste generation, carbon emissions – demands rigorous evaluation and mitigation strategies.
- Societal Transformation: Proactively exploring effective governance models to address the sweeping societal impacts of AGI, including job displacement, the future of warfare, the feasibility of universal basic income, and the exacerbation of the digital divide.
The session brought together influential voices from across the AI ecosystem – policymakers, technical experts, civil society leaders, and international organizations – fostering essential dialogue. We extend sincere gratitude for the leadership shown by Costa Rica’s Ambassador to the UN, H.E. Maritza Chan, Spain’s Ambassador to the UN, H.E. Héctor Gómez, the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, particularly Lucia Velasco (Head AI Policy) and Rebekah Hayoung Woo (Policy Officer), for their significant support in advancing these critical conversations. Engaging with fellow leaders dedicated to responsible AI deployment was both insightful and encouraging.
This brings us to the pivotal question facing the international community:
How can we, as a global collective, forge the unprecedented international cooperation needed to maximize AI’s transformative power for innovation, efficiency, and solving global challenges, while simultaneously mitigating its inherent and significant risks – including sustainability challenges, a widening digital divide, and potential existential threats – especially within a climate of increasing geopolitical tension and potential trade conflicts?
Achieving this delicate balance requires more than technical solutions; it demands political will, shared ethical frameworks, and a commitment to global solidarity that transcends national interests. The path forward is complex, but the stakes – shaping a future where AI serves humanity safely and equitably – could not be higher.
Other speakers including:
Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio CIO UN Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF)
Giacomo Mazzone Global Project Director UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
E. Ulises Moya Sánchez Director IIEG Jalisco
Dr. Rumman Chowdhury US Science Envoy AI Biden Administration
Natalia Carfi Executive Director Open Data Charter
Prof Sandra Leaton Gray Professor of Education Futures UCL
Javed Sajad AI Legal and Policy Consultant DMS
Anahiby Becerril Deputy Director General, Supreme Court Mexico
Amaj Rahimi Midani CEO Poseidon-AI
Sumeyye Kubra Dagli Global Schools Program
Fadwa AlBawardi, MSc CEO FSAB Consulting
POLINA PRIANYKOVA President of the Global AI Center
Pat Szubryt MBA Center for AI and Digital Policy
Omor Faruque Head of Policy FXB Center for Health and Human Rights Harvard University
Supheakmungkol Sarin, PhD Executive Director AI Safety Asia
José Jaime Villalobos Multilateral Governance Lead Future of Life Institute
David E Merino Téllez VP Concanaco Servytur Mexico