Chair,

Germany appreciates the opportunity to take part in this important discussion.

While fully committed to harnessing the potential AI offers, we are deeply aware of the profound implications that AI can have on racial justice. We are particularly concerned about the risk that AI systems – when developed or deployed without sufficient safeguards – may reinforce or deepen existing racial disparities, including those affecting people of African descent.

Germany is committed to addressing these risks, as part of our broader efforts to combat all forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. We need to prevent that AI inherits biases and thus perpetuates racial- and gender stereotypes and further disadvantages people in vulnerable situations. Discrimination by AI is a reality that we need to fight together.
We also see the need to close existing digital divides to ensure an equitable access to digital technologies.

Germany is committed to building a global framework for AI regulation that respects and enhances human rights, ensures transparency and accountability, and promotes innovation and competitiveness. New language relating to risks from improper or malicious design and the need for adequate safeguards is a focus of last year’s Third Committee resolution on the Right to Privacy in the Digital Age, co-facilitated by Brazil and Germany.

In the Freedom Online Coalition we co-chair the Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights and we encourage other States to join the coalition.

We are furthermore strongly committed to combating online hate speech through robust legislative measures and effective judicial action.

We will continue to strive for inclusive, transparent, and human rights-based approaches to AI governance and support efforts to ensure that the voices and experiences of people of African descent are meaningfully included in these vital conversations.