NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, who presides over the 81st United Nations General Assembly, emphasized the need for a more accelerated international response to artificial intelligence developments. During the opening of the General Debate, he expressed concerns that the UN may lag behind in keeping pace with rapid technological advancements. Rahman urged national governments to establish dependable safeguards grounded in scientific evidence, while also advocating for policies that allow innovation in AI. His comments highlighted artificial intelligence as one of the critical issues facing the global community today.
According to Rahman, the primary responsibility for overseeing global AI policies rests with governments. However, he acknowledged that expertise also resides within researchers, companies, innovators, and civil society groups. He called for increased participation from these stakeholders in discussions surrounding AI, emphasizing that their technical insights can significantly aid government deliberations. This appeal underscores AI’s growing influence on public services, commercial sectors, and national infrastructure systems.
Rahman pointed out that artificial intelligence is already integrated into various essential sectors such as electricity grids, water management, health records, economies, and military operations. He cautioned against an international competition to dominate AI technology and instead advocated for the implementation of pragmatic safeguards. These measures should be based on credible scientific knowledge and designed to mitigate risks while promoting beneficial applications. His remarks come amidst ongoing efforts by governments to establish global frameworks for AI risk assessment, opportunities, and regulation.
UN develops new structure for AI regulation
Over the past year, the United Nations has expanded its formal initiatives on artificial intelligence. The General Assembly established the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The dialogue convened its first session in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026, where representatives from governments, experts, and various stakeholders discussed international AI policy issues. The scientific panel, composed of 40 members, assesses AI opportunities, risks, and broader societal impacts.
Prior to the start of the General Debate in New York, Rahman also addressed AI governance. On September 10, he spoke about how governments and other stakeholders should manage existing technologies that are already transforming societies. Later, he met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, on September 20. Their discussions focused on international cooperation in AI governance, emerging AI challenges, and ongoing engagement with the tech industry as global efforts to regulate AI continue to evolve.
Part of broader UN reform discussions, AI takes center stage
Rahman connected artificial intelligence to a larger debate about how the United Nations addresses rapid global changes. He emphasized that member states and the UN Secretariat play crucial roles in these efforts. Simultaneously, he highlighted the increasing importance of outside expertise in highly technical sectors. Researchers, businesses, and civil society organizations can bring specialized knowledge into policy discussions. These remarks were made during the high-level meetings of the 81st General Assembly in New York.
The General Debate of this session began on September 22 and will run through September 26, concluding on September 28. Rahman pointed out that the UN has historically faced major technological and security challenges, such as nuclear proliferation and human cloning. He also referenced international efforts to safeguard the ozone layer. In the context of artificial intelligence, he called for strong government leadership supported by scientific and technical expertise. His main message was the importance of maintaining relevant international governance as AI becomes more prevalent across societies and critical infrastructure systems.