In a landmark move to shape the future of artificial intelligence, the United Nations has launched a global dialogue, warning that humanity must collectively govern the technology’s rapid transformation of our world
OdishaPlus Bureau
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres unveiled a comprehensive plan to establish a global framework for Artificial Intelligence governance, a year after the adoption of the Global Digital Compact. Addressing a high-level meeting on 25 September, the Secretary-General emphasized the urgency of collective action to prevent the unchecked proliferation of AI.
“The question is no longer whether AI will transform our world – it already is,” Guterres stated in his remarks. “The question is whether we will govern this transformation together – or let it govern us.”
At the heart of the initiative is the newly launched “Global Dialogue on AI Governance,” which the Secretary-General described as the world’s principal venue for managing the transformative technology. This dialogue rests on three fundamental pillars: policy, science, and capacity.
The policy pillar aims to build “safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems” grounded in international law and human rights, promoting interoperability between different governance regimes.
To ensure decisions are well-informed, a new 40-expert “International Independent Scientific Panel on AI” will be established. Guterres called it the “world’s early-warning system and evidence engine,” designed to provide independent insights and help policymakers separate foresight from fear.
The third pillar, capacity, will address the global “AI divide.” The Secretary-General announced consultations for a “Global Fund for AI Capacity Development” to ensure developing nations are not left behind in computing power, data, and research.
Concluding his address, Guterres urged for global cooperation and a commitment to building “a future of AI by humanity… with humanity … and for humanity.”
