NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, who presides over the 81st United Nations General Assembly, issued a warning on Tuesday that the UN is lagging behind rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. He highlighted that AI is already influencing critical systems that impact everyday life worldwide. Rahman emphasized the need for safeguards grounded in scientific understanding, aimed at protecting the public while fostering ongoing innovation. His comments kicked off the General Debate at the United Nations headquarters in New York. He connected effective AI regulation with broader efforts to make the organization more adaptable to global changes.
Rahman stressed that governments must stay central to international discussions about AI governance and regulation. However, he also pointed out that governments lack all the necessary expertise, technology, capital, or influence needed to manage the issue alone. He noted that businesses, researchers, innovators, and civil society already possess significant knowledge and technical skills. Rahman called on the United Nations to work directly with those developing and deploying AI. His appeal aimed to expand the expertise available to policymakers as AI systems become deeply embedded in economies and public infrastructure.
The UNGA president mentioned that artificial intelligence is now integrated into water supply systems, power grids, health records, economies, and military operations. This level of integration sets AI apart from earlier international challenges involving emerging technologies, he explained. Rahman also warned about a potential arms race over AI control. He stressed that governments require prudent, scientifically based safeguards. At the same time, he argued that global AI regulation should leave room for innovation and recognize the potential of technology to support human progress.
UN broadens international AI oversight mechanisms
The United Nations has already established new platforms for international dialogue on artificial intelligence. The General Assembly created the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence under Resolution 79/325. The first session of the Global Dialogue took place in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026. It served as a space for governments and stakeholders to discuss key questions about AI regulation. The 40-member scientific panel offers independent insights on AI opportunities, risks, and impacts to inform global policy debates.
Rahman also addressed multilateral AI governance efforts in New York on September 10, ahead of the General Debate. He explained that the main question was how governments and other groups would regulate technologies already transforming societies. On September 20, Rahman met with International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. Their talks covered cooperation between the General Assembly and the ITU on AI regulation. They also discussed challenges posed by advanced AI and the importance of engaging with industry as global discussions continue.
AI discussions become part of UN reform efforts
Rahman positioned artificial intelligence within a broader push for a more open and inclusive United Nations. He emphasized that member states and the UN Secretariat are vital but cannot handle every need alone. His remarks called for increased collaboration with businesses, researchers, innovators, and civil society where expertise exists. This came during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week in New York. The 81st session’s General Debate started on September 22 and continues until September 26, ending on September 28.
Rahman highlighted AI governance as an area where the UN must respond faster to technological progress. He pointed to earlier efforts on nuclear non-proliferation, ozone protection, and human cloning as examples of UN engagement on global issues. His speech urged for “prudent and reliable guardrails” supported by scientific evidence and broader expertise. He underscored that governments should remain at the core of the process. The approach combines government leadership with technical input from organizations already working on artificial intelligence development and research.