UN Secretary-General Proposes Experts to Serve on Scientific Panel on AI
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has recommended 40 experts to serve on the recently established Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This Panel is poised to become the “first global, fully independent scientific body dedicated to helping close the AI knowledge gap and assess the real impacts of AI across economies and societies.”
Background and Establishment of the Panel
In response to the growing need for safe AI governance, Guterres launched a High-Level Advisory Body in 2023. This body was tasked with developing recommendations aimed at overseeing AI technologies responsibly. Among the proposals was the establishment of an international scientific panel, designed to provide impartial and reliable scientific knowledge about this transformative technology.
In August 2025, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) officially established the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. Following this, in October, the Secretary-General issued an open call for candidates to serve on the Panel.
Objectives and Importance of the Panel
Guterres emphasized the need for “shared understandings to build effective guardrails, unlock innovation for the common good, and foster cooperation.” He stated, “The Panel will help the world separate fact from fakes, and science from slop,” underscoring the importance of accurate information in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
Expert Nominations
The nominated experts are recognized globally for their expertise in AI. Among them are:
- Sonia Livingstone (UK) – Professor at the London School of Economics and an advisor on media literacy and rights in the digital environment.
- Balaraman Ravindran (India) – Head of the Department of Data Science and AI at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras.
- Maria Ressa (Philippines) – Renowned journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
The nominations also represent a diverse geographical range, including experts from countries such as Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cabo Verde, Chile, China (two nominations), Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany (two nominations), Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Senegal, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Türkiye, Uganda, UAE, and the US (two nominations).
Conclusion
The announcement of these nominations was made on February 4, 2026. According to a UN press release, the nominations will be submitted to the UN General Assembly, which holds the ultimate authority in their appointment. The formation of this Panel reflects the UN’s commitment to ensuring responsible and informed governance of AI technologies, paving the way for a more equitable and informed future.
