NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, who presides over the 81st United Nations General Assembly, issued a warning on Tuesday about the UN’s slow response to progress in artificial intelligence. He emphasized that AI has already become integral to vital systems that influence daily life globally. Rahman advocated for scientifically grounded safeguards designed to shield the public interest while enabling ongoing innovation. His comments marked the opening of the General Debate at the United Nations headquarters in New York. He linked the effectiveness of AI regulation with broader initiatives to enhance the organization’s responsiveness to global shifts.
Rahman stressed that governments must stay at the forefront of international discussions regarding AI governance and regulation. However, he also pointed out that they do not possess all the necessary expertise, technology, capital, or influence to fully address these issues. Significant knowledge and technical resources are already held by businesses, researchers, innovators, and civil society, he explained. Rahman called on the United Nations to directly engage with those developing and deploying artificial intelligence. His appeal aimed to broaden the pool of expertise accessible to policymakers as AI systems become more embedded in economies and public infrastructure.
The UNGA president highlighted that artificial intelligence is now embedded in water systems, electricity grids, health records, economies, and militaries. This level of integration sets AI apart from previous international challenges involving emerging technologies, he noted. Rahman also issued a warning against an arms race over AI dominance. He emphasized the need for prudent and scientifically grounded safeguards from governments. At the same time, he argued that international AI governance should leave room for innovation and recognize the potential of technology to advance human progress.
UN broadens international AI regulation initiatives
The United Nations has already established new mechanisms to facilitate global discussions on artificial intelligence. The General Assembly created the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence through Resolution 79/325. The Global Dialogue held its initial session in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026. It serves as a platform for governments and stakeholders to debate key questions related to AI regulation. The scientific panel, composed of 40 members, offers independent insights into AI opportunities, risks, and impacts for international policy deliberations.
Rahman also addressed multilateral AI governance in New York on September 10, ahead of the start of the General Debate. He highlighted the primary question as how governments and stakeholders will oversee technologies already transforming societies. On September 20, Rahman met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union. Their discussions included cooperation between the General Assembly and the ITU on AI governance. They also considered advanced AI challenges and stressed the importance of maintaining industry engagement as international conversations continue.
AI discussions now integrated into the UN reform agenda
Rahman positioned artificial intelligence within a larger call for a more open and inclusive United Nations. He noted that member states and the UN Secretariat remain vital to the organization’s work but cannot provide every necessary capability alone. His remarks encouraged stronger collaboration with businesses, innovators, researchers, and civil society where relevant expertise exists. These comments came during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week in New York. The 81st session’s General Debate began on September 22 and continues until September 26, concluding on September 28.
Rahman highlighted AI governance as a domain requiring a quicker response from the United Nations to technological advances. He referenced earlier international efforts on issues like nuclear non-proliferation, ozone layer protection, and human cloning as examples of the UN’s engagement with major global challenges. His speech called for “prudent and reliable guardrails” grounded in scientific evidence and broader expertise. He also emphasized that governments should remain at the core of this process. The approach advocates a combination of government leadership with technical input from institutions and organizations already involved in developing, studying, and utilizing artificial intelligence.