The United Nations convened a high-level meeting on Thursday at its headquarters in New York to launch the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance, marking the first international forum dedicated to shaping safe, reliable, and interoperable AI systems across national frameworks.
The initiative was unveiled during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly’s 80th session.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the dialogue establishes the foundation for a global AI ecosystem built on three pillars: policy, science, and capacity-building.
He emphasized that the dialogue will serve as the central platform for collective focus on the transformative technology, taking into account its social, economic, ethical, technical, cultural, and linguistic implications.
The dialogue aims to foster AI systems grounded in international law, human rights, and effective oversight. It seeks to align governance frameworks, reduce barriers, enhance economic cooperation, and encourage open innovation, including open-source tools and shared resources accessible to all.
On the scientific front, Guterres announced the creation of an independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, which will comprise 40 global experts from diverse regions and disciplines.
He issued an open call for nominations, stressing the need for science to be at the core of the UN’s efforts.
Regarding capacity-building, the Secretary-General highlighted his report on financing options to strengthen AI capabilities. He confirmed upcoming consultations with member states, potential funders, and partners to establish a Global Fund for AI Capacity Development.
General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock underlined her commitment to making the dialogue a platform that brings together governments, the private sector, civil society, and experts, with every nation guaranteed an equal voice in shaping the future of AI.
She stressed the importance of harnessing the potential of AI, mitigating risks, and ensuring equitable access, noting expert assessments that AI could accelerate progress on up to 80 percent of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Delegates also addressed pressing challenges such as digital divides, inequalities, ethical risks, privacy, human rights, security issues, military applications, and the gap between rapid technological advances and slow-moving legal frameworks. Sustainability and energy demands were also highlighted as key concerns.
The Global Dialogue is expected to convene regularly in different locations, serving as a permanent platform for international coordination and idea exchange.
Nearly 40 experts will soon be selected for the independent scientific panel, which is expected to work toward defining global “red lines” prohibiting dangerous and unacceptable uses of AI.
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