OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is set to address the United Nations Security Council next week in New York, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the company. The briefing will focus on the topic of artificial intelligence during the UN General Assembly. The 15-member Security Council has scheduled a meeting on AI and international security for September 23rd.
AI’s Growing Influence and Potential Risks
This high-level discussion comes at a critical juncture for AI development. Just weeks prior, several leaders in the AI industry issued a joint call for coordinated efforts to slow down the pace of AI advancement. Their concerns stem from the rapid increase in AI capabilities, with warnings that the technology could soon possess self-improvement abilities, potentially leading to a loss of human control.
During his address, Altman is expected to emphasize the necessity of international cooperation and the establishment of shared safety standards. He will also detail the measures OpenAI is implementing to ensure that the benefits of AI development are accessible to people worldwide. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the potential for malicious use of AI technology.
France Leads the Initiative
The meeting has been convened by France, which holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council for September. The session will be chaired by France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot. A concept note circulated to Security Council members by France highlights the pressing need for action. It states, “Given the risks of malicious use of this technology, and considering the work already carried out by the Security Council in this area, France wishes to emphasize the urgency of taking action to promote the development of artificial intelligence in a safe and responsible manner, for the benefit of the entire international community.”
This marks a significant moment, as the UN Security Council is convening its first meeting specifically on the risks of artificial intelligence in 2023. While the exact details of attendance from other organizations are still being finalized, a diplomat indicated that Anthropic might also send a high-level representative, though this is not yet definitively confirmed.
Early Warnings on Superhuman AI
Sam Altman himself has a history of voicing concerns about the potential risks associated with advanced technology, even before the current surge in AI popularity. In his 2015 publication, “Machine Intelligence, part 1,” he wrote, “The development of superintelligent machines could possibly be the biggest threat to humanity’s continued existence.” His upcoming briefing to the UN Security Council reflects a long-standing awareness of the profound implications of artificial intelligence for global security and humanity’s future.
