Geneva:The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a Bangladesh-led resolution on artificial intelligence and human rights by consensus. This marks the first resolution of its kind at the council, as reported by Bangladesh's Permanent Mission in Geneva.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the resolution titled "Implications of Artificial Intelligence for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights" was adopted on Tuesday in Geneva. The initiative, spearheaded by Bangladesh, was supported by core group members Algeria, Austria, Egypt, Greece, Guyana, Kuwait, and Nepal.
The resolution aims to promote a balanced, forward-looking approach centered on human rights in the realm of artificial intelligence. It acknowledges AI's potential to foster development and innovation while also addressing its human rights implications.
A significant aspect of the resolution is its focus on broadening access to the benefits of emerging technologies, especially for developing countries. This would be achieved through international cooperation, technical assistance, knowledge-sharing, access to technology, and capacity-building.
Bangladesh, while introducing the draft, highlighted AI's transformative impact on societies and institutions. The development and use of AI must align with international human rights law, ensuring human dignity and agency remain central.
The resolution emphasizes development, inclusion, and the meaningful involvement of developing countries in shaping digital transformation. Under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' guidance, Bangladesh's Permanent Mission in Geneva led the drafting process and first presented the text in August on behalf of the core group.
Through open and inclusive consultations, Bangladesh and its partners worked with various delegations and stakeholders to build consensus, culminating in the resolution's adoption.
The mission described this adoption as a significant milestone for the council's engagement with the evolving dynamics between AI and human rights. It also reaffirmed Bangladesh's dedication to aiding developing countries in enhancing their technological capacities and sharing in the opportunities AI offers.