Canada Pushes AI Safety and Equity at UN

Canada is prioritizing AI safety and equity at the United Nations, with Ambassador David Lametti dedicating 10 to 15 percent of his time to the issue. Ottawa is collaborating with countries globally to ensure safe and equitable AI adoption, addressing concerns from emerging nations about being left behind.

Editorial analysis: For AI/DS practitioners, international governance debates shape standards, cross-border data access, and equity in compute and talent, which can affect compliance and deployment strategies. Reported facts: Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, David Lametti , told The Canadian Press that AI is a priority for his team at the United Nations and that Ottawa is working with countries globally to pursue safe, equitable adoption. Lametti, who began his role in November, told The Canadian Press that AI has taken up "between 10 and 15 percent" of his time. He told The Canadian Press there is alignment on the need for safety and concern from emerging countries about being left behind. The Canadian Press also reports that AI was a major theme at the G7 summit in France earlier this month.