UN Calls for Global AI Governance as Technology Outpaces Regulation

Artificial intelligence is evolving at a speed that governments and regulators are struggling to match, prompting the United Nations to renew its call for stronger international cooperation on AI governance.

Speaking at the inaugural UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva on Monday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said AI has the potential to transform economies, improve healthcare and accelerate scientific progress.

However, without common global rules, he warned, the technology could also deepen inequalities and create new risks for societies around the world.

• UN urges stronger global AI governance as regulation falls behind
• Antonio Guterres calls for international AI safety framework
• Global AI governance tops agenda at UN dialogue in Geneva

Calls Grow for Stronger AI Safeguards

Addressing policymakers, technology executives and researchers, Guterres said AI is developing much faster than the systems designed to oversee it. He stressed that innovation must be supported by effective regulation to ensure the technology is used responsibly and benefits everyone.

He expressed particular concern about the impact of AI on children, pointing to instances where AI-powered tools have encouraged harmful behaviour or blurred the boundaries between human and machine interactions. To address these challenges, Guterres proposed an AI Child Safety Pledge that would require developers to demonstrate their AI systems are safe for children before making them publicly available.

The two-day conference in Geneva marks the first government-level global forum focused exclusively on AI governance. While the meeting is not expected to result in a legally binding agreement, it is intended to encourage countries to work together on developing shared principles and future AI regulation frameworks.

Guterres also said international cooperation is essential because the effects of AI extend far beyond national borders. He noted that decisions made by a few countries or companies can have global consequences, making coordinated action increasingly important.

Uneven Access Raises Global Concerns

Another key issue raised during the dialogue was the unequal distribution of AI infrastructure. According to data presented at the conference, the United States accounts for about 75% of the world's advanced AI supercomputing capacity, while China holds around 15%. Many developing countries have limited access to the computing power and infrastructure needed to participate fully in the AI economy.

Delegates are also reviewing the findings of the first independent scientific assessment of artificial intelligence prepared by a UN-backed panel of 40 international experts. The report highlights AI's ability to boost productivity, improve public services and drive scientific innovation, while also identifying risks such as cybersecurity threats, misinformation, algorithmic bias and the misuse of autonomous systems. A more detailed assessment is expected next year.

The discussions come as governments around the world continue to adopt different approaches to AI regulation. Some countries are introducing stricter oversight to reduce potential risks, while others are prioritising innovation and investment to strengthen their positions in the global AI industry.

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Concluding his address, Guterres said no country can manage the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence alone. He urged governments, technology companies, researchers and civil society to work together in building a global governance framework that encourages innovation while ensuring AI remains safe, transparent and beneficial for people everywhere, promoting responsible AI for future generations.