UNITED NATIONS, Feb 05: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced the formation of a 40-member Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which includes Pakistani expert Bilal Mateen. The initiative is described as a global effort to benefit all of humanity amid rapidly evolving technological changes.
Speaking at the UN Headquarters in New York, Guterres explained that the panel is a response to the mandate provided by Member States in the Pact for the Future, aimed at enhancing multilateral solutions concerning emerging technologies that are transforming every aspect of life.
This panel marks the first global, fully independent, scientific body dedicated to bridging the AI knowledge gap and evaluating AI’s effects on economies and societies.
Guterres highlighted the rapid pace of AI development, stating, “AI is advancing at the speed of light. No country can independently perceive the whole picture. It is essential to achieve shared understandings to establish effective regulations, promote innovation for the common good, and encourage collaboration.”
Following an extensive global call that attracted over 2,600 applications, Guterres recommended 40 experts to the UN General Assembly. These experts have profound expertise spanning machine learning, data governance, public health, cybersecurity, childhood development, and human rights.
All members will perform their roles in a personal capacity, independent of any government, company, or institution.
The panel is anticipated to present its inaugural report in time for the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in July.
Guterres emphasized the global transformation driven by AI, questioning whether society will guide this transformation or be molded by it, and stressed the importance of “common ground and a practical basis for cooperation rooted in science and solidarity.”
The list of 40 names has been submitted to the General Assembly for a three-year appointment.
Among the experts, Dr. Mateen, a physician-academic and technology leader, specializes in the intersection of AI, data science, and global public health. Serving as the inaugural Chief AI Officer at PATH, a global health organization, he focuses on the ethical and inclusive application of AI to enhance health outcomes.
