UN Chief Calls for AI Fund

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, warned technology leaders at a global AI summit in India about the risks of artificial intelligence, stating its future should not be left to a few billionaires. He called for a $3 billion Global Fund on AI to ensure open access to the technology for all nations, emphasizing that AI must belong to everyone. Guterres highlighted AI's potential for breakthroughs in medicine, learning, food security, and climate action, but also cautioned against its capacity to deepen inequality, amplify bias, and fuel harm. He pressed for global guardrails to ensure oversight and accountability, and protection for individuals, especially children, from unregulated AI. The United Nations has established an AI scientific advisory body to assist countries with AI decisions. Tech CEOs like Sam Altman of OpenAI and Sundar Pichai of Alphabet Inc. were present at the summit. Guterres also raised concerns about AI's soaring energy and water demands, urging data centers to switch to clean power.