UN chief urges global AI rules as technology advances faster than oversight

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for globally coordinated governance of artificial intelligence, warning that the rapid pace of AI development is outstripping the ability of governments, regulators and even technology companies to manage its risks.Speaking at the inaugural UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Guterres said artificial intelligence is already influencing economies, labour markets, elections and global security, making international cooperation on AI oversight increasingly urgent.He stressed that while AI has the potential to drive innovation and economic growth, its deployment without adequate safeguards could expose societies to significant risks, particularly children and other vulnerable groups. "Innovation needs guardrails," Guterres said, adding that technologies with far-reaching societal impact require effective governance frameworks.Also read: India's digital economy: Where the country ranks across 8 global indicesThe two-day meeting marks the United Nations' first government-level dialogue dedicated to AI governance. Rather than negotiating a binding international agreement, the forum aims to bring policymakers, experts and stakeholders together to discuss common approaches for reducing AI-related risks while supporting responsible innovation.As part of the discussions, delegates will examine findings from a UN-backed independent scientific panel comprising 40 experts, which has prepared what the organisation describes as the first global independent scientific assessment of artificial intelligence.The assessment is expected to inform future international policy discussions, with a more detailed report scheduled for release next year. The United Nations also plans to convene a second global dialogue on AI governance in New York in 2027.