October 25, 2023

Kevin Yacub

11th Grade

Tzu Chi Secondary School

Introduction

Artificial intelligence, commonly referred to as AI is defined as a simulation of human intelligence that provides digital computers or computer-controlled robots with the ability to perform tasks that are commonly associated with intelligent beings. In this modern era, AI has emerged as a significant sector within the technological industry, with an exponential proliferation of AI tools, which, as of August 2023, has surpassed a staggering 7000 in total. Over time, AI has not only multiplied in quantity but has also expanded in its capabilities. Unfortunately, many users would simply assume that AI tools are limited to mere question and generative answer systems such as ChatGPT-3.5 and Bing AI. In reality, AI possesses the capability to undertake tasks that are far beyond this spectrum, including neural machine translation, facial recognition, creating generalizations based on patterns within pre-existing data, and a multitude of other functions.

The United Nations has always been at the forefront of global initiatives, tirelessly working to harness the collective efforts of nations in pursuit of a world that is equitable, sustainable, and prosperous for life. Since 2015, the organization has tended to focus on its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Essentially, this transformative 2030 Agenda, unanimously embraced by all United Nations Member States in 2015, presents a shared vision for peace and prosperity from an individual scale and an international scale. It does so by articulating 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), which serve as a blueprint for the present and future, transcending temporal boundaries. Some of these goals include eradicating hunger (SDG 2), promoting good health and well-being of the people (SDG 3), addressing the pressing issue of climate change (SDG 13), and numerous others.

AI Integration in Multiple UN Projects

Unfortunately, as of 2023, the progress towards attaining the objectives of the 2030 agenda appears to be receding further from reach due to the time limitation. Consequently, with the seemingly indomitable growth in AI development, AI and technology are poised to assume a crucial role in achieving the goals in the future. According to Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO, the United Nations has recognized the potential of both AI and technology to expedite the attainment of the SDGs since late 2018. The United Nations anticipates that the development and integration of AI may unlock vast opportunities for achieving the SDGs.  Due to the United Nations’ early investment in the field of AI technology, there have been a total of 281 projects being presented, with an impressive 85% of said projects featuring AI integration. These projects span across all 17 SDGs, and the overwhelming majority of them address multiple SDGs, underscoring their holistic and multidimensional nature.

Additionally, regarding the status of the projects that are presented, a significant majority of the projects are currently ongoing. It could be noted however, that those pertaining to the advancement of decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) and promotion of partnership for the goals (SDG 17) reported to have the highest number of completed projects in comparison to the rest.

Integration of AI in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC)

In order to get a better understanding in regards to the projects that are commencing in the United Nations, an example will be selected from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes Committee, also known as the UNODC committee. Within the UNODC division, there are two projects as of 2022 with the integration of AI. Both projects tackle the SDGs of good health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), and peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16), presenting the aforementioned holistic nature in tackling multiple SDGs at once.

The first project undertaken by the organization focuses on the improvement in monitoring of illicit crop cultivation and production by using artificial intelligence. Through the use of geographic information systems (GIS) mapping and geospatial analysis, satellite imagery, as well as field surveys, the UNODC aspires to monitor the progression of illicit crop cultivation and production within main drug-growing countries. This endeavor aims to assist the government in refining its policy development strategies to tackle illicit drug production. Furthermore, the present project is dedicated to researching and eventually the application of semi-automated techniques, such as machine learning and big data analysis, to enhance illicit crop surveys. More specifically, it seeks to improve the identification, interpretation, and delineation of illicit crop fields. Moreover, the research is conducted on spectral-based yield information to enhance the obtaining and updating of spatial information on potential agricultural land as well as the potential risk areas for illicit crop cultivation.

On the other hand, the committee’s second project which they have undertaken centers around the establishment of a Drug Monitoring Platform, abbreviated as DMP. The UNODC DMP is said to be a multifaceted system designed for the aggregation, visualization, and dissemination of drug-related data. Its primary objective is to furnish access to nearly real-time information concerning drug trafficking patterns to meet the specific requirements of users and bolster early detection of drug threats for law enforcement and analysts. For UNODC to efficiently process copious volumes of vital information sourced externally, a fusion of AI methodologies, centered around Machine Learning models, streamlining of data ETL (extract, transform, load) procedures, and the implementation of MLOps, have been deployed. These measures are meticulously orchestrated to ensure the timely delivery of more than 14,000 quantitative data points on an annual basis.

Ethical Considerations

Although the United Nations has invested in the advancements of artificial intelligence and has integrated it into many of its projects, they are still wary of the ethical considerations regarding the use of AI for the masses.

“AI-enabled cyberattacks are already targeting critical infrastructure and our own peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, causing great human suffering. The technical and financial barriers to access are low - including for criminals and terrorists.” 

-António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

The quote above was taken from a YouTube video of the 9381st United Nations Security Council conference meeting, and it astutely highlights the main concern in regard to AI. Although humanity has strived within technological fields to achieve the creation of AI, the potential usage of AI for the betterment of society is as probable as it is used for malicious intents due to the lack of technical and financial barriers to regulating access for the AI tools through the vast expanse of the internet.

In conclusion, through its 2030 agenda for sustainable development and various initiatives on AI ethics, the United Nations is striving to ensure that AI technologies are used equitably across all nations. It is working towards creating a world where technology serves as a tool for sustainable development rather than a source of disparity. The journey is long and fraught with challenges, but with continued effort and global cooperation, a future where technology benefits all equitably is within reach.