The UN’s New AI Governance Bodies Explained
The United Nations has taken a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) by launching two new governance bodies: The Global Dialogue on AI Governance and The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.
A New Framework for AI Governance
This new governance architecture aims to establish a more inclusive form of international governance for AI. According to the World Economic Forum, trustworthy AI ecosystems will be critical for allowing AI to scale safely, sustainably, and inclusively.
Artificial intelligence is not merely a concept from science fiction; it has become an integral part of modern life. During a recent meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, the risks and opportunities that AI presents were emphasized, with calls for governments to ensure the technology benefits all people.
As the capabilities and deployment of AI continue to accelerate, a concerning statistic emerged: 118 countries are not party to any significant international AI governance initiative. This highlights a significant gap in the establishment of effective, internationally agreed rules for governing AI technology.
The High-Level Meeting on AI Governance
To tackle these issues, the UN General Assembly hosted a high-level meeting on AI governance that brought together diplomats, scientists, members of the tech community, private sector representatives, and civil society. This marked the first time all 193 UN Member States could contribute to the development of international AI governance.
Bridging the Gap in Responsible AI Adoption
AI is described as “the fastest-moving technology in human history,” and it is already transforming various sectors, from healthcare to manufacturing and climate monitoring. However, the widespread adoption of responsible AI—defined as the practice of building and managing AI systems to maximize benefits while minimizing risks—is vital for realizing its full potential. Unfortunately, less than 1% of organizations have fully operationalized responsible AI practices.
Fragmented regulatory approaches pose significant challenges for businesses aiming to implement responsible AI. If left unaddressed, these challenges could undermine public trust, compliance, and investment in AI technology.
Introducing the New UN Bodies
The newly launched UN bodies are designed to address these governance gaps. The Global Dialogue on AI Governance serves as a forum for governments, industry, civil society, and scientists to share best practices and establish common approaches to AI governance. Its goal is to promote interoperability among various governance strands and encourage open innovation.
The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, likened to an “IPCC for AI,” will consist of 40 expert members who will provide evidence-based insights into the opportunities, risks, and impacts of AI. Its findings will inform the Global Dialogue, positioning it as the world’s early-warning system and evidence engine, helping to differentiate between genuine signals and noise in the AI landscape.
Facilitating Safe Innovation
Experts have praised these new UN initiatives as “the world’s most globally inclusive approach to governing AI.” The need for urgent collaboration on AI governance was echoed by numerous heads of state and corporate leaders during the General Assembly, despite some criticisms regarding the role of international bodies in this domain.
Government initiatives are essential for creating trustworthy AI ecosystems. The Hiroshima AI Process International Guiding Principles, developed by G7 leaders, emphasize the importance of responsible governance frameworks to harness AI’s benefits while managing its associated risks. The World Economic Forum’s report on advancing responsible AI highlights that responsible governance is not a constraint on innovation; rather, it enables AI to scale safely and sustainably throughout society.
To operationalize responsible AI principles, organizations must align corporate strategy with responsible AI innovation, increase organizational capacity, and oversee the entire lifecycle of AI development, acquisition, and use. A strong, collaborative ecosystem that fosters public-private partnerships and international cooperation will be pivotal.
In conclusion, as the Prime Minister of Spain remarked at the UN General Assembly: “The rise of AI is unstoppable, but it cannot be ungovernable.” Ensuring that everyone has a voice in how AI technology is governed will be crucial for its successful integration into society.
