NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, head of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, emphasized the need for a swift, coordinated global effort to establish safeguards around artificial intelligence. During the opening of the General Debate, he warned that the UN risks lagging behind the fast pace of technological advancements. Rahman called on governments to develop dependable protections rooted in scientific evidence, highlighting that AI policies should also allow room for innovation. His comments placed artificial intelligence among the key issues facing the international community.
Rahman stressed that governments must play a central role in global AI governance. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that expertise also resides with researchers, businesses, innovators, and civil society. He urged broader participation from those involved in creating and deploying AI, arguing their technical insights can aid governmental discussions. This appeal reflects AI’s growing presence across public services, commercial sectors, and national infrastructure.
Rahman pointed out that AI already influences electricity grids, water systems, healthcare records, economies, and military operations. He cautioned against an international race to dominate the technology. Instead, he advocated for practical boundaries that mitigate risks while fostering beneficial uses. These safeguards, he said, should be based on trustworthy scientific knowledge. His remarks come as countries continue establishing international frameworks to explore AI risks, opportunities, and governance models.
UN Develops New Guidelines for AI Oversight
Over the past year, the United Nations has expanded its formal engagement with artificial intelligence, creating the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The dialogue’s inaugural session took place in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026, bringing together governments, experts, and stakeholders to discuss international AI policies. The scientific panel, comprising 40 members, evaluates AI’s opportunities, risks, and broader societal impacts.
Prior to the General Debate in New York, Rahman also addressed AI governance. On September 10, he discussed how governments and stakeholders should manage the technologies already transforming societies. He later met with International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin on September 20 to discuss cooperation on AI governance and emerging challenges. Their talks also covered ongoing engagement with industry as international AI efforts advance.
UN Debate Links AI to Broader Reform Initiatives
Rahman connected the discussion on artificial intelligence to a wider conversation about how the UN addresses rapidly evolving global issues. He emphasized that member states and the UN Secretariat remain vital to tackling these challenges, but also highlighted the importance of outside expertise in highly technical fields. Researchers, industry players, and civil society groups can provide specialized knowledge to inform policy decisions. These remarks were made during the UN General Assembly’s high-level meetings in New York.
The 81st session’s General Debate started on September 22 and runs through September 26, concluding on September 28. Rahman pointed out that the UN has previously faced significant technological and security questions, such as nuclear proliferation and human cloning, as well as international efforts to protect the ozone layer. Regarding artificial intelligence, he called for government leadership supported by scientific and technical expertise. His message emphasized maintaining relevant international governance frameworks as AI becomes increasingly integrated into societal and critical systems.