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 approach to artificial intelligence regulation. During the opening of the General Debate, he expressed concern that the UN risks lagging behind the swift pace of technological advancements. Rahman urged nations to establish trustworthy safeguards rooted in scientific evidence, while also allowing space for innovation in AI policy. His comments underscored artificial intelligence as one of the key challenges facing the global community.
Rahman highlighted that governments should remain central to the governance of AI on the international stage. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that expertise also resides with researchers, businesses, innovators, and civil society. He called for increased involvement from these groups in discussions about AI development and deployment, emphasizing that their technical insights can aid governmental deliberations. This appeal reflects AI’s growing influence across public services, commercial sectors, and national infrastructure.
Rahman pointed out that artificial intelligence is already integrated into electricity grids, water management systems, health records, economies, and military operations. He cautioned against a global competition to dominate the technology and instead advocated for practical safeguards that mitigate risks while enabling beneficial uses. These protections, he argued, must be based on reputable scientific knowledge. His statements coincide with ongoing international efforts to establish frameworks that examine AI’s risks, opportunities, and governance structures.
UN Develops New AI Governance Framework
Over the past year, the United Nations has broadened its formal engagement with artificial intelligence. The General Assembly launched the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and established an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The dialogue convened its first session in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026, bringing together governments, experts, and stakeholders to discuss international AI policies. The scientific panel comprises 40 members tasked with evaluating AI opportunities, risks, and broader societal impacts.
Before the General Debate commenced in New York, Rahman also addressed AI governance. On September 10, he spoke about how governments and other stakeholders should handle existing technologies that are transforming societies. He further met with International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin on September 20 to discuss collaboration on AI governance and the challenges posed by advanced AI systems. Their dialogue also covered ongoing cooperation with industry as international efforts on AI regulation progress.
AI’s Role in Broader UN Reform Discussions
Rahman connected the issue of artificial intelligence to a larger conversation about the UN’s response to rapid global shifts. He noted that member states and the UN Secretariat remain vital in addressing these challenges, but also stressed that outside expertise in highly technical fields has become increasingly crucial. Researchers, corporations, and civil society organizations can contribute specialized knowledge to inform policy development. These remarks were made during the high-level meetings of the 81st General Assembly in New York.
The General Debate for the 81st session began on September 22 and will run through September 26, concluding on September 28. Rahman pointed out that the UN has previously confronted major technological and security issues, such as nuclear proliferation, human cloning, and international ozone protection efforts. Regarding artificial intelligence, he called for government leadership underpinned by scientific and technical expertise. His core message was that international governance must stay relevant as AI becomes increasingly embedded in societal functions and critical infrastructure systems.