Björn Ulvaeus at the UN: Why Artists Must Shape the AI Future

At the UN AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva on 13 July 2026, ABBA co‑founder Björn Ulvaeus opened the proceedings with the probing query “Good for whom?” establishing a moral framing for the debate on machine learning and creative labor. During his opening address, Ulvaeus asked the assembled delegates to consider who truly benefits from the rapid training of large language and image models, emphasizing that the current trajectory privileges corporate interests over creators and that the datasets feeding these models are largely built from copyrighted works without consent, a practice that threatens artistic livelihoods and demands a balanced approach respecting intellectual property while fostering innovation. He highlighted the economic precarity facing musicians, noting that AI‑generated tracks can replicate an artist’s style while bypassing royalties, and called for transparent licensing frameworks that recognize the provenance of each sample. The UN summit, convened to explore how artificial intelligence can advance humanitarian goals, provided a rare platform for cultural voices, signalling a shift from purely technical discourse toward a more inclusive policy arena. Ulvaeus’ call for a seat at the table foreshadows broader negotiations on AI regulation, suggesting that without artistic input, the technology may exacerbate cultural homogenisation and inequitable profit distribution; his remarks may catalyse new industry standards and international guidelines. His appeal for artists to occupy a formal role in AI policy underscores a growing recognition that cultural production is integral to societal well‑being. If incorporated, their perspectives could shape ethical standards, ensure fair remuneration, and prevent the erosion of creative diversity in an increasingly automated creative economy.