On September 25, local time, the United Nations officially announced the launch of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance mechanism, marking a pivotal step in establishing the UN as the leading platform for guiding global AI technology governance. The mechanism is designed to consolidate experience and recommendations from governments, technology companies, academia, and civil society worldwide to set a global direction for the regulation and development of Artificial Intelligence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized at a high-level meeting that this move aims to build a "new institutional architecture foundation" for AI governance, ensuring the technology is used for peace, remains controllable, and benefits humanity. The establishment of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance symbolizes a crucial return to multilateralism in the digital age, striving to balance technological innovation with institutional constraints, and international cooperation with competition.
Key Components and Actions:
To support the global dialogue mechanism, the UN will undertake the following critical actions: Establishment of an Independent International Scientific Panel: A group of 40 top global experts will form the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. Operating similarly to expert bodies in the fields of climate change and nuclear policy, this panel will independently assess AI's opportunities, risks, and impacts, serving as a global early warning system and providing the scientific basis for future policy development. Consultation on a Global Capacity Development Fund: Guterres revealed that a report on AI capacity-building financing options has been submitted. The UN plans to consult with member states to establish a "Global AI Capacity Development Fund" to support technological capacity building, particularly in developing countries, thereby accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goals.
Context and Design Philosophy
The Global Dialogue on AI Governance mechanism stems from a UN General Assembly resolution (A/RES/79/325) passed in August, which aims to promote sustainable development and bridge the digital divide. The core design philosophy is to address the previous global AI governance landscape's fragmentation and lack of inclusivity. Reports from the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Body indicated the marginalization of the Global South in setting AI rules. The new mechanism is committed to providing a fair dialogue platform for all 193 member states under the universally authoritative UN framework, ensuring every country has a voice in shaping the future of AI. The draft resolution was jointly proposed by the Group of 77 and China and was ultimately adopted by consensus among all member states.