United Nations Establishes Global AI Governance Framework in 2025

In a significant development for managing artificial intelligence, the United Nations has established a comprehensive global governance framework in 2025. This initiative is designed to foster international collaboration, address the multifaceted challenges presented by AI, and leverage its potential for sustainable development.

The framework's implementation centers on two key mechanisms: the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. The Scientific Panel will provide expert insights into AI's risks and opportunities, ensuring alignment with international human rights standards. The Global Dialogue will serve as a platform for member states and stakeholders to engage in discussions and promote cooperative efforts regarding AI issues. This framework builds upon the commitments made in the Global Digital Compact, adopted in September 2024, which serves as a foundational strategy for digital cooperation and AI governance.

Key developments in May 2025 included a special session convened by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) focusing on AI's role in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This meeting highlighted the importance of strategic investments, robust partnerships, and enhanced capacity development, particularly for the Global South. Further solidifying these efforts, the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in July 2025 culminated in the release of the Global AI Governance Action Plan. This plan outlines concrete steps for AI development and governance, emphasizing international cooperation to ensure AI's safety, reliability, and fairness.

The UN's proactive approach addresses the pressing need for global standards and collaborative strategies to effectively manage AI's pervasive impact. Experts note that regulating AI is a complex undertaking due to its decentralized development, ethical dilemmas, and rapid technological evolution, making international cooperation and adaptive policies essential. While the UN's initiative represents a significant step, the global regulatory landscape remains varied, with different regions adopting distinct approaches, such as the EU's risk-based AI Act. The UN's framework aims to bridge these gaps, fostering a more unified and effective approach to AI governance that prioritizes human rights and sustainable development.