UN AI Resolution
UN General Assembly Resolution A/78/L.49: Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development
First-ever UN General Assembly resolution on AI. Adopted unanimously with 125 co-sponsors (US-led). Establishes human rights as applicable to AI lifecycle, encourages regulatory frameworks, and calls for bridging AI divides between countries. Non-binding but sets global normative expectations.
Jurisdiction
United Nations
UN
Enacted
Mar 21, 2024
Effective
Mar 21, 2024
Enforcement
Not specified
Adopted unanimously by 193 member states. Non-binding but influential for national regulatory development.
Who Must Comply
Safety Provisions
- • Human rights and fundamental freedoms must be protected throughout AI lifecycle
- • Protect individuals from discrimination, bias, misuse, or other AI harms
- • Private sector encouraged to follow UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
- • Develop regulatory and governance frameworks for safe, secure, trustworthy AI
- • Address biased data that reinforces inequalities and discrimination
Quick Facts
- Binding
- No
- Mental Health Focus
- Yes
- Child Safety Focus
- Yes
- Algorithmic Scope
- Yes
Why It Matters
Global normative baseline for AI governance. Unanimous adoption signals international consensus on human rights approach. Influences national regulatory development worldwide.
Recent Developments
First unanimous UN resolution on AI. Preceded by UNESCO AI Ethics recommendation (2021). Sets stage for potential binding international AI governance.
Cite This
APA
United Nations. (2024). UN General Assembly Resolution A/78/L.49: Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development. Retrieved from https://nope.net/regs/un-ai-resolution
BibTeX
@misc{un_ai_resolution,
title = {UN General Assembly Resolution A/78/L.49: Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development},
author = {United Nations},
year = {2024},
url = {https://nope.net/regs/un-ai-resolution}
} Related Regulations
AU AI Strategy
Continent-wide AI strategy endorsed by African Union Executive Council covering 55 member states. Phased implementation 2025-2030. Phase I (2025-2026) focuses on creating governance frameworks, developing national AI strategies, resource mobilization, and capacity building. Aims to harmonize AI development across Africa while respecting member state sovereignty.
ISO 42001
First certifiable international standard for AI management systems. Uses Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology. Third-party certification available; major AI systems have achieved certification.
ISO 23894
AI risk management guidance complementing ISO 31000. Lifecycle risk management; audit/procurement language.
UNICEF AI for Children
Most specific international guidance on children and AI. Ten requirements for child-centered AI including development/wellbeing support, data/privacy protection, and safety.
Brunei PDPO
Brunei's personal data protection order requiring DPIA and imposing penalties up to 10% Brunei turnover or $1M.
India DPDP Act
STRICTEST children's provisions in APAC. Children = under 18; verifiable parental consent MANDATORY; PROHIBITION on tracking, behavioral monitoring, targeted advertising to children.