NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, who presides over the 81st United Nations General Assembly, emphasized the need for an accelerated worldwide response to artificial intelligence. During the opening of the General Debate, he expressed concerns that the UN risks lagging behind the swift pace of technological advances. Rahman called on governments to establish dependable safeguards rooted in scientific proof and stressed that AI policy must also accommodate innovation. His statements highlighted artificial intelligence as one of the key issues confronting the global community.
Rahman pointed out that governments must take the lead in international AI governance. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that expertise also resides with researchers, businesses, innovators, and civil society. He advocated for increased participation from those developing and deploying AI, emphasizing that their technical expertise can facilitate dialogue among governments. This appeal reflects the growing influence of AI across public utilities, commercial sectors, and national infrastructure.
According to Rahman, AI now functions within electricity grids, water systems, health records, economies, and military operations. He cautioned against an international competition to dominate the technology. Instead, he urged for pragmatic boundaries that can mitigate risks while enabling beneficial applications. These safeguards, he said, should be based on reputable scientific knowledge. His remarks come amid ongoing efforts by governments to establish international 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 official engagement with artificial intelligence. The General Assembly established the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The dialogue’s inaugural session took place in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026. During the meeting, governments, experts, and various stakeholders discussed international policies related to AI. The scientific panel comprises 40 members who evaluate AI’s opportunities, risks, and broader societal impacts.
Rahman also addressed AI governance prior to the start of the General Debate in New York. On September 10, he explored how governments and other actors should manage the technologies already transforming societies. Later, on September 20, he met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union. Their discussions focused on cooperation for AI governance, tackling advanced AI challenges, and maintaining industry engagement as international efforts on AI progress.
AI discourse integrated into broader UN reform talks
Rahman connected artificial intelligence to a larger conversation about how the United Nations addresses rapidly evolving global challenges. He emphasized the crucial role of member states and the UN Secretariat in this process. Simultaneously, he highlighted the importance of external expertise in highly technical areas. Researchers, corporations, and civil society organizations can contribute specialized insights to policymaking. These comments were made during the General Assembly’s high-level week in New York.
The 81st session’s General Debate commenced on September 22 and runs until September 26, concluding on September 28. Rahman noted that the UN has previously faced major technological and security dilemmas, such as nuclear proliferation and human cloning, and referenced international efforts to protect the ozone layer. Regarding artificial intelligence, he called for leadership from governments, underpinned by scientific and technical knowledge. His central message was to keep international governance relevant as AI becomes more embedded in society and essential systems.