UN establishes Global AI governance dialogue for safe, equitable tech

The United Nations on Thursday launched the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance, a move aimed at shaping the rules for the fast-evolving technology.

“The question is no longer whether Al will cransform our world it already is,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at a high-level, multi-stakeholder meeting. “The question is whether we will govern this transformation together or let it govern us.”

Guterres recalled that a year ago, the Global Digital Compact, the first universal agreement on AI governance, was adopted at the UN. He said the Global Dialogue is intended to establish a global AI ecosystem capable of keeping pace with one of the fastest-moving technologies in human history. “The system rests on three fundamental pillars: policy, science and capacity,” he said. “That is multilateralism at its best: agile, inclusive, and anchored in shared responsibility.”

The UN chief said the initiative aims to build safe and trustworthy AI systems, promote interoperability between governance regimes, and encourage open innovation accessible to all. For the first time, every country will have a seat at the table for AI governance discussions.

Guterres added that the Dialogue will consider AI’s implications across social, economic, ethical, technical, cultural and linguistic dimensions. It will complement global efforts, including those led by the OECD, G7 and regional organisations, while providing a stable, inclusive home for AI governance coordination.

“In short, this is about creating a space where governments, industry and civil society can advance common solutions together,” he said. He also highlighted the creation of the International Independent Scientific Panel on AI as another milestone.

On capacity-building, Guterres said he had recently submitted a report outlining practical financing options to narrow the global AI divide. He stressed that the three pillars, policy, science and capacity, are key to building trust, reducing inequalities, and accelerating progress for all.

Speaking at the meeting, UN General Assembly President Annelena Baerbock said the Global Digital Compact is the world’s first common agreement on AI governance. She said the new Panel and Dialogue will ensure every country, large or small, has a voice in shaping the technology.

Baerbock cautioned that while the AI market is worth trillions of US dollars, its benefits are concentrated, leaving much of the world, particularly the Global South, on the sidelines. She also noted AI’s high energy demands could worsen the climate crisis unless paired with clean power. “We must harness its potential, minimise its risks, and equalise its reach,” she said.

The high-level meeting, held alongside the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, brought together member states, observers, UN specialised agencies and diverse stakeholders to launch the Global Dialogue and explore inclusive and accountable AI governance.

IANS