NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, president of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, emphasized the need for a quicker international response to artificial intelligence. During the opening of the General Debate, he expressed concern that the UN risks falling behind rapid technological advances. Rahman called on governments to develop dependable safeguards grounded in scientific evidence, while also ensuring policies allow space for innovation. His comments highlighted artificial intelligence as one of the key issues confronting the global community.
Rahman stressed that governments must play a central role in global AI governance but also acknowledged that expertise resides with researchers, businesses, innovators, and civil society. He urged broader collaboration with all parties involved in developing and deploying AI, noting that their technical knowledge can facilitate discussions among governments. This appeal underscores the increasing importance of AI in public services, commercial sectors, and national infrastructure.
He pointed out that AI already functions within electricity grids, water systems, health records, economies, and military platforms. Rahman warned against an international race to dominate the technology and instead called for practical boundaries that address risks while promoting beneficial uses. He emphasized that these safeguards should be based on credible scientific knowledge, especially as nations continue to establish international frameworks to examine AI risks, opportunities, and governance.
UN Develops New AI Governance Structures
Over the past year, the United Nations has expanded its efforts on artificial intelligence. The General Assembly established the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The dialogue held its inaugural session in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026, where governments, experts, and stakeholders discussed international AI policies. The scientific panel, comprising 40 members, evaluates AI’s opportunities, risks, and broader impacts.
Rahman previously addressed AI governance ahead of the General Debate in New York. On September 10, he discussed how governments and stakeholders should manage existing technologies transforming societies today. Later, he met with International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin on September 20, focusing on cooperation on AI governance and tackling advanced AI challenges, as well as engaging with industry as international AI initiatives develop.
AI Talks Linked to Broader UN Reform
Rahman connected artificial intelligence discussions to a wider debate on how the United Nations addresses rapid global challenges. He stated that member states and the UN Secretariat remain vital to this effort, but also highlighted the increasing importance of outside expertise in highly technical areas. Researchers, corporations, and civil society groups can bring specialized knowledge to policy conversations. These remarks were made during the UN General Assembly’s high-level meetings in New York.
The 81st session’s General Debate began on September 22 and runs through September 26, concluding on September 28. Rahman noted that the UN has historically faced major technological and security issues, such as nuclear proliferation and human cloning, and cited international action to protect the ozone layer. Regarding AI, he called for governmental leadership supported by science and technical expertise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relevant international governance as AI becomes increasingly integrated into societies and critical systems.