Shaping AI for Impact:

Background

As the United Nations marks 80 years of multilateral cooperation under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights”, the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented promise and pressing responsibility. AI is rapidly reshaping the global landscape, offering powerful tools to advance peace, accelerate sustainable development, and enhance the effectiveness of institutions across both public and private sectors. 

Within the UN system, AI has the potential to enhance operational delivery, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda. Yet, realizing this potential requires that AI be deployed in a manner that is inclusive, rights-based, transparent, and firmly grounded in multilateral values. 

In this context, building on the momentum from the recently adopted UNGA Resolution A/RES/79/325, which established a scientific advisory panel and a global dialogue on AI, the UNICC AI Hub, in collaboration with Member States, academia, and the private sector, is convening a high-level session during UNGA 80 High-Level Week.  

About the Event

The high-level event “Shaping AI for Impact: Security, Efficiency and Accessibility for the Global Good” will explore how AI can be harnessed as a shared digital infrastructure and global public good, supporting cost-effective innovation, safety-first implementation, and the development of inclusive AI ecosystems. 

Organized by the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC), through its AI Hub, and hosted by the NYU School of Professional Studies, this dialogue seeks to contribute meaningfully to the Global Digital Compact and to ongoing multilateral efforts to shape the governance of emerging technologies in a manner that is equitable, secure, and sustainable for all. 

Objectives

• Join the UN80 dialogue on emerging technologies and explore how AI can reduce costs and improve efficiency across UN operations. 
• Demonstrate how safety-first approaches and shared infrastructures can underpin UNICC’s digital adoption. 
• Strengthen partnerships between AI developers, Member States, and UN system actors to advance inclusive AI ecosystems. 
• Launch the recently published UNICC–NYU White Paper: “Responsible AI Innovation for Social Impact: A Case Study in Multilingual Media Moderation.” 

Participants

Member States, UN entities, international organizations, private sector (AI and tech providers), academia and research institutions, civil society and digital rights organizations.