NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, president of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, highlighted the importance of accelerating global efforts to implement safeguards for artificial intelligence. He opened the General Debate by warning that the UN risks lagging behind rapid technological advances. Rahman called on governments to develop dependable protections rooted in scientific evidence and emphasized that AI policies should allow space for innovation. His comments underscored artificial intelligence as one of the key issues confronting the international community.
Rahman stressed that governments should lead the charge in global AI governance but also acknowledged that expertise resides with researchers, businesses, innovators, and civil society. He urged broader participation from those involved in developing and deploying AI, asserting that their technical insights can bolster policymaker discussions. This appeal reflected the growing influence of AI in public services, commercial sectors, and national infrastructure.
According to Rahman, AI already impacts electricity grids, water systems, health records, economies, and military operations. He warned against a competitive international race to dominate the technology, advocating instead for practical safety measures that address potential risks while fostering beneficial applications. These safeguards, he said, should be founded on credible scientific knowledge. His remarks coincided with ongoing efforts by governments to establish international frameworks for assessing AI risks, opportunities, and governance.
UN develops new AI governance structure
Over the past year, the United Nations has significantly expanded its formal engagement with artificial intelligence. The General Assembly established the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The dialogue convened its first session in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026, drawing participation from governments, experts, and other stakeholders to discuss international AI policies. The scientific panel comprises 40 members who evaluate AI opportunities, risks, and broader societal impacts.
Prior to the opening of the General Debate in New York, Rahman also addressed AI governance on September 10. He emphasized the importance of managing existing technologies that are already transforming societies. On September 20, he met with International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin to discuss cooperation on AI governance and emerging challenges. Their conversation also covered ongoing engagement with industry stakeholders as international AI initiatives progress.
AI discussions linked to broader UN reform debates
Rahman connected artificial intelligence to a larger conversation about how the United Nations addresses rapidly evolving global issues. He reiterated that member states and the UN Secretariat play vital roles in this process but also acknowledged the increasing importance of external expertise in highly technical areas. Researchers, private companies, and civil society organizations can contribute specialized knowledge to policymaking. These comments were made during the high-level segments of the General Assembly’s annual meetings in New York.
The 81st session’s General Debate kicked off on September 22 and runs through September 26, concluding on September 28. Rahman pointed out that the UN has historically faced significant technological and security challenges, such as nuclear proliferation and human cloning. He also referenced international actions aimed at protecting the ozone layer. Regarding artificial intelligence, he called for leadership from governments supported by scientific and technical expertise. His core message emphasized the importance of maintaining relevant international governance frameworks as AI becomes increasingly embedded in societal and critical systems.