AI 'moving at the speed of light' warns Guterres, unveiling recommendations for UN expert panel

The United Nations on Wednesday announced the list of experts nominated to the General Assembly to serve on a new Independent International Scientific Panel. The panel is tasked with assessing how artificial intelligence is transforming lives worldwide. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said AI is moving at the speed of light. He called for shared understandings to build effective guardrails, unlock innovation for the common good and foster cooperation. The panel will help the world separate fact from fakes and science from slop, Guterres said. The roots of the panel go back to 2023 after the release of ChatGPT. Guterres convened technologists and academics to advance recommendations for safe governance. The experts proposed an independent scientific panel supported by the United Nations. The panel is described as the first global, fully independent scientific body to close the AI knowledge gap and assess real impacts across economies and societies. Members will exchange ideas, conduct deep dives into areas such as health, energy and education, and share leading-edge research. The list includes 40 prospective members, 19 women and 21 men, chosen for expertise along with geographical representation and gender balance. Nominees include Sonia Livingstone of the United Kingdom, Balaraman Ravindran of India and Maria Ressa of the Philippines. The General Assembly is expected to decide on membership on 12 February. The panel's first report is due by July.