The United Nations has taken a significant step in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) by placing it on the global agenda. This decision was made through a General Assembly resolution that established two new instruments: an independent scientific panel and a multi-stakeholder global dialogue.
The independent scientific panel will provide regular assessments of AI's risks, benefits, and socio-economic impacts, reporting to the General Assembly and publishing annual findings. The Global Dialogue on AI Governance brings together governments, industry, academia, and civil society to discuss international cooperation and share ideas and solutions.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that AI must be treated as a global challenge on par with climate change and international security. The initiative aims to ensure that AI serves human progress rather than posing threats. The dialogue forum is scheduled to meet formally in Geneva in 2026 and in New York in 2027.
The creation of the panel and forum represents a milestone in technology regulation, signaling hope for fairer and science-based governance. However, some analysts pointed out weaknesses, especially the exclusion of the military domain from the panel's mandate. Institutions like Chatham House and Brookings argued this omission creates a gap given AI's dual-use nature.
The UN's move marks a new era of international technology oversight, with the initiative far from perfect but signaling hope that the world is moving toward fairer and science-based governance. The biggest challenge will be ensuring that the panel and forum operate effectively without being slowed down by bureaucracy.
