UN80 Initiative to heavily implement AI, concerns for Job loss roam
Under Secretary General Guy Ryder vocalizes intent on UN80 initiative to utilize Artificial intelligence
UN, 07/01/2025: By Ahmed Ali
Digital Future or Downsizing? UN’s 80th Anniversary Sparks Concern
On March 2025, Secretary-General António Guterres launched the UN80 initiative to mark the UN’s 80th anniversary. The effort aims to cut costs, restructure operations, and modernize the organization to meet today’s global challenges.
Meanwhile, concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) grow. The public and UN staff raise questions about its potential dangers and consequences.
Although the initiative was launched by Guterres, Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder now oversees it. Ryder says the UN must become more flexible and embrace digital tools. A central mission of UN80 is to “leverage its own use of digital platforms.”
When asked about AI’s role, Ryder confirmed its growing use in areas like data collection and analysis. However, he remained vague on whether AI could lead to job cuts. “AI has got to be part of the story,” he said. “This will have implications… and with these things, you have to manage change.”
Finally, the UN is already considering moving staff from New York and Geneva to cheaper locations—raising fears that cost-cutting and AI could replace essential human roles.
