The United Nations General Assembly has established two pivotal bodies to guide international cooperation and risk mitigation in artificial intelligence (AI): the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. These initiatives, stemming from the Global Digital Compact adopted in September 2024, aim to leverage AI's potential for global benefit while proactively addressing its inherent risks.
The Scientific Panel will provide independent, expert assessments to inform AI policymaking and help the international community anticipate future challenges. The Global Dialogue will serve as a platform for nations and diverse stakeholders to discuss AI's impact on humanity, fostering alignment in governance strategies and ensuring the robust protection of human rights.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the critical importance of these efforts, advocating for widespread support. He has warned that a widening gap in access to digital infrastructure and AI talent could lead to significant global instability. This concern aligns with the broader goals of the Global Digital Compact, which committed to the establishment of these very bodies.
Organizations like ARTICLE 19 have stressed the necessity for these new initiatives to be grounded in human rights principles, promoting inclusivity, transparency, and responsiveness to AI's risks. These collective steps represent a significant global endeavor to cultivate responsible AI governance for the collective well-being.
The Scientific Panel is slated to present its annual reports starting in July 2026 in Geneva, acting as a crucial link between AI research and policy. The Global Dialogue is scheduled for July 2027 in New York, providing an ongoing forum for states and stakeholders to discuss critical AI issues. The UN Secretary-General will soon initiate an open call for nominations for the Scientific Panel, seeking a comprehensive and balanced expert perspective.