Director-General's remarks at the 3rd Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Inclusive Societies

3rd Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Inclusive Societies
Tuesday, 22 April 2025 at 2.30 p.m.
 Room XX, Palais des Nations

Delivered by Ms. Rima Al-Chikh, Director, Division of Conference Management, UN Geneva

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to the Palais des Nations. It is a pleasure to join you today at the opening of the 3rd Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Inclusive Societies.

On behalf of the UNOG Director-General, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, who regrets being unable to join us, I extend my gratitude to the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the Onuart Foundation for organizing this important event to promote a digital future that is not only innovative, but also equitable and human-centred.

We are pleased to host you in the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, a symbolic place of dialogue and cooperation, and I am honored to deliver the following message on behalf of the Director-General.

“Ladies and gentlemen,

The third edition of the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Inclusive Societies takes place at a time of profound transformation. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a concept of the distant future – it is already reshaping education, health care, labour markets, governance, and communication. It carries great opportunities but also poses serious risks.

AI has the potential to accelerate scientific discovery, enhance inclusion, and support sustainable development. But without inclusive governance, it may exacerbate existing inequalities, perpetuate discrimination, and threaten fundamental rights.

That is why we need a shared vision in which technology serves humanity – not the other way around. The United Nations has laid out clear roadmaps and is actively working to promote ethical and inclusive AI governance. The Pact for the Future, adopted last year, reaffirms our commitment to protecting human rights in digital spaces and ensuring inclusive participation in shaping digital technologies. The Global Digital Compact, adopted alongside the Pact, sets shared principles for an open, secure and human-centered digital future. In addition, the Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence is developing concrete recommendations to ensure that AI contributes to the global public good.

But these efforts cannot succeed through the actions of governments or the United Nations alone. The complexity and reach of AI demand a truly multistakeholder approach – one that brings together voices from all sectors and all regions. To govern AI effectively, we must engage not only policymakers, but also technologists, civil society, academia, youth, indigenous peoples, and the private sector. Only together can we build trust and ensure that AI benefits everyone, everywhere.

In this context, International Geneva plays a particularly meaningful role. As a global hub for multilateral cooperation, it offers a unique ecosystem where states, international organizations, private sector, civil society and academia work side-by-side. It is here that many of the norms, standards and practices guiding the intersection of technology and human rights were shaped. Here, global governance meets practical implementation.

The Alliance of Civilizations “AI for #OneHumanity” initiative is an excellent example of this collaborative spirit – bringing together diverse stakeholders to explore how AI can foster cultural understanding, counter disinformation, and uplift underrepresented communities.

These conversations are not only timely – they are essential. As the saying says, “what goes around comes around”. The dialogue that will be held today will echo into the future. It will help determine whether AI contributes to peace and inclusion or to division and exclusion.

I wish you fruitful discussions.

Thank you”.

This is the end of the Director-General’s message.

Thank you