Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than governments, regulators and technology companies can effectively oversee, prompting United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to call for globally coordinated governance of the technology.
Addressing the inaugural United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva on Monday, Guterres said AI is already reshaping economies, labour markets, elections and global security, making international cooperation on oversight an urgent priority.
While acknowledging AI's potential to drive innovation, productivity and economic growth, Guterres cautioned that the technology's rapid deployment without adequate safeguards could expose societies to significant risks, particularly children and other vulnerable groups.
"Innovation needs guardrails," Guterres said, stressing that technologies with far-reaching societal consequences require robust governance frameworks and responsible oversight.
The two-day meeting is the United Nations' first government-level forum dedicated exclusively to AI governance. Rather than negotiating a binding international treaty, the dialogue seeks to bring together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders and civil society representatives to identify common approaches for mitigating AI-related risks while supporting responsible innovation.
Scientific Assessment
Delegates are also reviewing findings from a United Nations-backed independent scientific panel comprising 40 experts. The panel has produced what the organisation describes as the first independent global scientific assessment of artificial intelligence. The assessment is expected to serve as a foundation for future international policy discussions, with a more comprehensive report scheduled for publication next year.
The United Nations also plans to convene a second Global Dialogue on AI Governance in New York in 2027, signalling that global AI oversight is likely to remain high on the international policy agenda as governments seek to balance technological advancement with accountability and public safety. |
