UN Approves New Global AI Advisory Panel to Address Risks and Opportunities

The United Nations General Assembly has officially endorsed the creation of a new advisory body on artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting growing international concern over the rapid expansion of the technology and its potential consequences.

Adopted in a resolution on Tuesday, the measure establishes the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The panel will consist of 40 experts appointed for three-year terms and will deliver evidence-based assessments on AI’s opportunities, risks, and global impact.

Addressing Global Concerns Over AI

Governments worldwide have expressed concern that unchecked AI development could threaten democracy, weaken human rights protections, and worsen social and economic inequalities. By launching this panel, the UN aims to provide a trusted forum for expert advice and global cooperation on AI governance frameworks.

Annual AI Summit in Geneva

The resolution also calls for an annual global dialogue on artificial intelligence, with the first summit scheduled to take place next year in Geneva. These gatherings will unite governments, private companies, civil society, and researchers to share best practices, encourage collaboration, and align AI use with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UN’s Central Role in AI Governance

Costa Rica’s ambassador, Maritza Chan Valverde, who co-led the negotiations alongside Spain, emphasized that the resolution strengthens the UN’s role in ensuring AI is developed and used to benefit humanity rather than harm it.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to oversee the selection of the panel’s members, ensuring representation from a wide range of scientific and technological disciplines.

The Push for Global AI Regulation

AI’s fast-paced evolution has fueled debates on the need for international regulation, particularly to address concerns about misuse in mass surveillance, disinformation campaigns, and autonomous weapons systems. The newly formed panel is seen as a crucial step toward global standards that safeguard human rights while promoting innovation.