Ankara:Artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme at the UN General Assembly, with global leaders discussing its implications on issues ranging from autonomous weapons and disinformation to technological power concentration and job disruption. However, there was little agreement on the way forward.
According to Anadolu Agency, US President Donald Trump dismissed international efforts to control AI, emphasizing competition and rapid development. He announced that US documents would refer to AI as "superintelligence" to underscore its importance. Trump insisted that the US would lead in AI development, which he compared to previous technological revolutions, while ensuring its responsible use through monitoring by law enforcement agencies.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan advocated for an international legal framework on AI, urging the acceleration of efforts to establish a UN international convention on the technology. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham highlighted both the benefits and risks of AI, announcing that Britain would place AI at the forefront of its G20 presidency in 2027 to establish global principles for safe AI development.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned against AI decision-making being dominated by the US, China, or a few technology companies. He supported international cooperation and the creation of an open-source AI model. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for stronger regulation of Big Tech and AI, warning against unchecked technological races and promoting corporate responsibility.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb emphasized the need for humans to control AI's development and called for cooperation among countries. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of keeping AI under human control, advocating for a multilateral AI risk-management framework with strong safeguards, especially concerning children and warfare.
Kenyan President William Ruto focused on technological dependence, urging African countries to develop and own AI systems that reflect their unique needs rather than merely consuming AI products. He called for greater investment in African infrastructure and talent to ensure the continent plays a significant role in the AI revolution.