The United Nations is taking significant steps to establish a comprehensive global framework for artificial intelligence governance. This initiative aims to close existing gaps in international oversight, ensuring that AI development benefits all nations while mitigating potential risks. A high-level meeting at UN Headquarters on Thursday, September 25, marked a crucial point in this effort, bringing together diverse stakeholders to shape future AI policy.
Key Takeaways
- Global AI governance has been fragmented, with many countries not participating in international initiatives.
- The UN General Assembly hosted a meeting on September 25 to include all 193 Member States in AI policy discussions.
- Two new bodies, the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, were launched.
- These bodies aim to foster inclusive governance and provide evidence-based guidance on AI's risks and opportunities.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres called these developments "a significant step forward."
The Urgent Need for Unified AI Oversight
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence tools worldwide has outpaced the establishment of effective, internationally agreed-upon rules for their management. This disparity creates a significant void in global governance. The challenges and opportunities presented by AI are global, requiring a unified and comprehensive response rather than fragmented solutions.
A 2024 UN report highlighted this issue. It found that 118 countries were not part of any major international AI governance initiatives. Only seven developed nations participated in all such initiatives, indicating a significant lack of representation and global consensus.
Fact: Global Participation Gap
A 2024 UN report revealed that more than 60% of countries were not involved in any significant international AI governance initiatives, underscoring the fragmented nature of current global efforts.
A New Era of Inclusive AI Governance
The High-level General Assembly meeting on AI governance on Thursday, September 25, represented a groundbreaking moment. For the first time, all 193 UN Member States had the opportunity to contribute to the development of international AI governance. This event aimed to address the previous lack of global representation.
Participants included diplomats from various countries, scientists, members of the technology community, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations. This broad inclusion ensures a wider range of perspectives shapes the future of AI policy.
"AI’s impact is global, but its governance is not. Through the Global Dialogue, for the first time, all 193 member countries of the UN will have a seat at the table in shaping international cooperation on AI governance."
Amandeep Singh Gil, UN Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies
Building Blocks for a New Framework
The meeting focused on two new landmark bodies designed to initiate a more inclusive form of international governance. These bodies will address issues related to powerful AI technology and ensure its benefits extend to all people. They are the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.
Both bodies emerged from recommendations made in a 2024 UN report titled "Governing AI for Humanity." A group of experts and lawmakers, known as the High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, developed these recommendations. The UN General Assembly unanimously endorsed their establishment in August 2025.
Background: Governing AI for Humanity
The 2024 UN report, "Governing AI for Humanity," provided crucial recommendations for ethical and effective AI governance. These proposals laid the groundwork for the new UN initiatives, emphasizing global cooperation and inclusive decision-making.
The Global Dialogue and Scientific Panel
The purpose of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance is to share best practices and enhance the international interoperability of AI governance. It also provides a platform to share information on significant AI incidents. This Dialogue is expected to become the world's primary venue for collective focus on AI issues.
It will create a shared space for governments, industry, civil society, and scientists to exchange best practices. This collaboration aims to foster common ground based on shared principles for AI development and deployment.
- Share Best Practices: Facilitate the exchange of successful AI governance strategies among diverse stakeholders.
- Enhance Interoperability: Work towards consistent and compatible AI regulations across different countries and regions.
- Report AI Incidents: Provide a platform for reporting and analyzing critical AI-related events to inform policy.
The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will provide impartial, evidence-based guidance. This guidance will cover the risks, opportunities, and impacts of AI. Supported by the UN system, the Panel will ensure that policymaking is grounded in independent scientific assessments.
The Panel is mandated to produce an annual report. This report will be presented at the annual meeting of the Global Dialogue, ensuring a continuous flow of scientific insight into policy discussions.
Ensuring Humanity Remains Central to Progress
Amandeep Singh Gil, the UN Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, emphasized the significance of these new mechanisms. "These two global mechanisms are not just new functions," he stated. "They are building blocks of a new architecture of technology governance. They are our promise to future generations to ensure that humanity remains at the center of technological progress."
Mr. Gil further explained the role of the Scientific Panel: "The Scientific Panel will bring together leading scientists from across the globe to narrow the cone of uncertainty around the risks, opportunities, and impacts of AI. The Panel will help ensure that AI policy is grounded in impartial evidence." This highlights the commitment to data-driven decision-making.
Key Speakers at the Event
The high-level event featured prominent speakers, underscoring the global importance of AI governance. These included:
- Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly (80th session)
- António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
- Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, Prime Minister of Spain
- Arnoldo André Tinoco, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica
Following these initial speeches, statements were made by United Nations Member States and Observers. UN system entities and other stakeholders also contributed. Statements from non-governmental actors were regularly interspersed among those of Member States, ensuring a wide range of voices were heard.
This comprehensive approach aims to create a robust and equitable international framework for AI, addressing concerns about safety, ethics, and equitable access to its benefits.