NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, who presides over the 81st United Nations General Assembly, issued a warning on Tuesday that the organization is falling behind in keeping pace with developments in artificial intelligence, emphasizing that AI now influences vital systems affecting daily life on a global scale. He emphasized the need for scientifically grounded safeguards that shield the public interest while still fostering technological progress, a message he delivered at the start of the General Debate at UN headquarters in New York. Rahman linked effective governance of AI with broader initiatives aimed at making the UN more adaptable to worldwide changes.
Rahman highlighted the importance of maintaining governments at the heart of international discussions concerning AI regulation and oversight, while acknowledging that these entities do not possess all the necessary expertise, technology, capital, or influence to fully address the challenges posed by AI. Instead, he pointed out that businesses, researchers, innovators, and civil society already hold substantial knowledge and technical capacity. Rahman called on the United Nations to engage directly with those involved in developing and deploying artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of broadening the pool of expertise available to policymakers as AI systems become more deeply embedded in economies and critical infrastructure.
According to Rahman, artificial intelligence is already integrated into water systems, electricity grids, health records, economies, and military operations, setting it apart from previous international challenges linked to emerging technologies, as he noted. He also issued a warning against an arms race over AI control, stressing that governments need to establish prudent, scientifically supported guardrails, while simultaneously advocating for international AI governance that preserves space for innovation and recognizes the potential of technology to advance human development.
UN Strengthens Global AI Oversight Framework
The United Nations has already taken steps toward developing a comprehensive framework for international AI regulation by establishing new mechanisms for dialogue. Under Resolution 79/325, the General Assembly created the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The first session of the Global Dialogue was held in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026, providing a platform for governments and stakeholders to discuss key issues related to AI governance. The 40-member scientific panel offers independent insights into AI opportunities, risks, and impacts to inform international policy debates.
Rahman also addressed the issue of multilateral AI governance in New York on September 10, ahead of the start of the General Debate. He emphasized that the core question is how governments and other relevant actors will regulate the technologies already transforming societies. On September 20, Rahman met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, where they discussed collaboration between the UN General Assembly and the ITU regarding AI governance, as well as the challenges posed by advanced AI and the importance of industry engagement as international discussions continue to evolve.
AI Discussions Become Integral to Broader UN Reform Efforts
Rahman framed artificial intelligence within a larger push for a more open, inclusive, and adaptable United Nations, asserting that while member states and the UN Secretariat remain vital to the organization’s functions, they cannot alone cover every aspect required to address emerging global challenges. His remarks stressed the necessity of strengthening partnerships with businesses, researchers, innovators, and civil society organizations where relevant expertise exists. These comments, made during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly in New York, coincided with the start of the 81st session’s General Debate on September 22, which continues through September 26 before wrapping up on September 28.
Rahman highlighted AI governance as an area where the UN must accelerate its response to technological shifts, drawing parallels with past international efforts in nuclear non-proliferation, ozone layer protection, and human cloning, which exemplify the organization’s engagement with critical global issues. His speech called for establishing “prudent and reliable guardrails” backed by scientific evidence and a broad range of expertise, emphasizing that governments must remain central to this process. This approach combines leadership from governments with technical input from institutions and organizations already engaged in developing, studying, and utilizing artificial intelligence.