NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, president of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, emphasized the need for a quicker worldwide response to artificial intelligence development. During the opening of the General Debate, he expressed concern that the UN could lag behind rapid technological advances. Rahman called on governments to establish trustworthy safeguards grounded in scientific research and stressed that AI policies should allow room for innovation. His statements highlighted artificial intelligence as one of the key global challenges facing the international community.
Rahman pointed out that governments must stay at the core of global AI regulation. Nevertheless, he recognized that expertise also resides with researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators and civil society. He advocated for increased collaboration with those involved in creating and implementing AI, emphasizing that their technical insights can facilitate government discussions. This appeal underscored the growing influence of AI in public services, commercial sectors, and national infrastructure.
Rahman noted that AI is already integrated into electricity grids, water management systems, health records, economies, and military operations. He cautioned against a competitive international race for dominance over the technology. Instead, he urged the adoption of practical guardrails capable of mitigating risks while enabling beneficial uses. These safeguards should rely on credible scientific knowledge, he said. His remarks coincide with ongoing efforts by nations to develop global frameworks for assessing AI risks, opportunities, and governance models.
UN establishes new structures for AI oversight
Over the past year, the United Nations has expanded its formal engagement with artificial intelligence. The General Assembly established the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and formed an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The dialogue’s inaugural session took place in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026, where governments, experts, and stakeholders discussed international AI strategies. The scientific panel, consisting of 40 members, evaluates AI’s opportunities, risks, and societal impacts.
Prior to the opening of the General Debate in New York, Rahman also addressed AI governance. On September 10, he explored how governments and stakeholders should handle existing AI technologies impacting societies. He subsequently met with International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin on September 20, discussing collaboration on AI regulation and tackling advanced AI challenges. They also reviewed ongoing engagement with industry as international AI initiatives progress.
AI discussions linked to broader UN reform efforts
Rahman connected the topic of artificial intelligence to a larger dialogue about how the United Nations addresses rapid global changes. He highlighted that member states and the UN Secretariat remain vital to these efforts but stressed the importance of external expertise in specialized fields. Researchers, corporations, and civil society groups can bring valuable knowledge to policy-making. These comments were made during the UN’s annual high-level meetings in New York.
The 81st General Assembly’s high-level segment started on September 22 and runs through September 26, concluding on September 28. Rahman reflected on previous major technological and security issues faced by the UN, such as nuclear proliferation and human cloning, and pointed to international efforts to protect the ozone layer. Regarding AI, he called for government leadership underpinned by scientific and technical expertise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relevant international governance as AI becomes more embedded in society and critical infrastructure.