António Guterres has urged governments to accelerate the development of global rules for artificial intelligence, warning that AI is advancing faster than regulatory frameworks can keep pace. Speaking at the first UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, he stressed that international cooperation is essential to ensure AI remains safe, ethical, and beneficial for everyone, particularly as the technology becomes more powerful.
Guterres highlighted the urgent need to protect children from AI-related risks, including manipulation by AI systems, exposure to harmful content, and other online dangers. He proposed an AI Child Safety Pledge that would require technology companies to ensure their AI products are safe for children before they are released to the public.
The UN chief also warned that AI development is becoming concentrated in a small number of countries and major technology companies, leaving many developing nations without access to the computing power, infrastructure, and expertise needed to benefit from the technology. He called for more inclusive AI governance that enables all countries to participate in shaping global standards and sharing AI's benefits.
The two-day UN dialogue is expected to lay the foundation for future international AI governance by bringing together governments, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society. While the meeting will not produce binding regulations, it aims to develop common principles for AI safety, accountability, transparency, and human oversight, with a more comprehensive framework expected to follow in the coming year.
