World leaders and governments are calling for stronger international safeguards on artificial intelligence as AI governance becomes a major issue at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for greater oversight of the technology during his address on September 22.
Guterres urged countries to develop a multilateral framework for managing AI risks, with independent oversight. He also warned against allowing machines to make life-and-death decisions and called for additional safeguards as AI systems become more capable.
The push for stronger safeguards was also reflected in a declaration signed by leaders from 19 countries. The declaration calls for common international standards, independent testing of AI systems and greater transparency in their development and use.
The discussions come as governments face questions over how advanced AI systems should be tested and monitored. A UN scientific panel has separately called for action before all potential risks are fully understood, arguing that governments should apply precautionary measures where AI systems could cause serious or irreversible harm.
The issue has also exposed differences between governments over regulation. US President Donald Trump has opposed restrictions on AI development and has argued for continued rapid progress in the technology. At the UN General Assembly, he promoted the term “Super Intelligence” while rejecting calls to slow AI development.
The UN discussions are taking place as countries work towards establishing common approaches to AI safety, testing and accountability.
