NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, who presides over the 81st United Nations General Assembly, emphasized the urgent need for an accelerated international approach to artificial intelligence. During his opening remarks at the General Debate, he warned that the UN risks lagging behind rapid technological advancements. Rahman called on nations to establish trustworthy safeguards grounded in scientific evidence while also ensuring that AI policies remain adaptable enough to foster innovation. His statements highlighted artificial intelligence as one of the primary issues facing the global community today.
Rahman stressed the importance of keeping governments at the core of global AI regulation, but he also acknowledged that expertise extends beyond policymakers to include researchers, businesses, innovators, and civil society. He urged for increased involvement from those developing and deploying artificial intelligence, asserting that their technical insights can significantly inform intergovernmental discussions. This appeal underscores the growing influence of AI across public services, commercial sectors, and vital infrastructure systems.
Rahman pointed out that artificial intelligence is already integrated into electricity grids, water management, health records, economic systems, and military operations. He warned against the dangers of an international competition to dominate this technology but advocated instead for pragmatic safeguards that mitigate risks while enabling beneficial uses. These protective measures, he argued, should rely on credible scientific knowledge. His remarks coincide with ongoing efforts by governments to develop global frameworks addressing AI risks, opportunities, and governance structures.
UN Establishes New Structures for AI Oversight
Over the past year, the United Nations has intensified its formal initiatives related to artificial intelligence, establishing the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence through the General Assembly. The dialogue convened its first session in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026, providing a platform for governments, experts, and stakeholders to deliberate on international AI policies. Meanwhile, the scientific panel, composed of 40 members, is tasked with evaluating AI’s opportunities, risks, and broader societal impacts.
Prior to the opening of the General Debate in New York, Rahman addressed AI governance on September 10, emphasizing the need for effective management of existing technological changes affecting societies worldwide. Additionally, on September 20, he held discussions with International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin focused on cooperation on AI governance and tackling advanced AI challenges, including ongoing engagement with industry stakeholders as international AI initiatives evolve.
AI Discourse Tied to Broader UN Reform Strategies
Rahman connected the discussion on artificial intelligence to a larger debate about how the United Nations should respond to swift global changes, asserting that member states and the UN Secretariat must continue to lead these efforts while recognizing that outside expertise—comprising researchers, companies, and civil society—has become increasingly vital in highly technical fields. He highlighted that such specialized knowledge can greatly enhance policy dialogues, especially during the UN’s annual high-level meetings in New York.
The 81st session’s General Debate commenced on September 22 and will proceed until September 26 before concluding on September 28. Rahman reflected on previous major technological and security challenges faced by the UN, such as nuclear proliferation and human cloning, as well as international actions to protect the ozone layer. Regarding AI, he called for government leadership driven by science and technical expertise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relevant global governance structures as AI becomes more pervasive across society and critical infrastructure systems.