NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, who presides over the 81st United Nations General Assembly, has emphasized the need for accelerated international action to safeguard artificial intelligence. During his opening remarks for the General Debate, he expressed concern that the UN risks lagging behind the swift pace of technological development. Rahman called on governments to establish dependable safety measures grounded in scientific research and stressed that AI policies should also allow space for innovation. His statements highlighted artificial intelligence as one of the critical issues confronting the global community.
Rahman underscored that governments must maintain a central role in overseeing international AI governance. Nonetheless, he pointed out that expertise is also found among researchers, business leaders, innovators, and civil society. He urged for more inclusive participation from those involved in developing and deploying AI technologies, emphasizing that their technical insights can bolster discussions among nations. This appeal reflects the increasing significance of AI in public services, commercial sectors, and national infrastructure.
Rahman noted that artificial intelligence already influences sectors such as electricity grids, water systems, health records, economies, and military operations. He warned against an international competition to dominate the technology, advocating instead for pragmatic guardrails to mitigate risks while enabling beneficial applications. He emphasized that these safeguards should be rooted in credible scientific knowledge. His remarks coincide with ongoing efforts by governments to establish international frameworks for assessing AI risks, opportunities, and governance structures.
UN Develops New AI Governance Framework
Over the past year, the United Nations has expanded its formal engagement with artificial intelligence initiatives. The General Assembly established the Global Dialogue on AI Governance alongside an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The dialogue held its inaugural session in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026. During this gathering, governments, experts, and various stakeholders discussed global AI policy issues. The scientific panel, composed of 40 members, evaluates AI opportunities, risks, and its broader societal impacts.
Prior to the start of the General Debate in New York, Rahman also addressed AI governance. On September 10, he elaborated on how governments and key stakeholders should handle existing technologies that are already transforming societies. Subsequently, on September 20, he met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, to discuss cooperation on AI governance and the challenges posed by advanced AI systems. Their discussions also included ongoing engagement with industry players as international AI initiatives progress.
AI’s Role in Broader UN Reform Conversations
Rahman connected the topic of artificial intelligence to a broader debate about the UN’s approach to rapidly evolving global challenges. He stressed that member states and the UN Secretariat are fundamental to this effort, yet recognized that outside expertise has become increasingly vital in highly specialized fields. Researchers, corporations, and civil society organizations can contribute essential knowledge to policy dialogues. These comments were made during the UN General Assembly’s high-level meetings in New York.
The 81st session’s General Debate commenced on September 22 and will extend through September 26, concluding on September 28. Rahman pointed out that the UN has previously faced major technological and security challenges, such as nuclear proliferation and human cloning. He also referenced international efforts to safeguard the ozone layer. Regarding artificial intelligence, he called for leadership by governments supported by scientific and technical expertise. His core message emphasized maintaining the relevance of international governance as AI becomes increasingly integrated into societies and critical infrastructure systems.