Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are prompting urgent calls for international collaboration and the establishment of scientific foundations to steer policy making. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasized the need for such cooperation during his address at the AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi.
Guterres pointed out that, “We are barreling into the unknown. AI innovation is moving at the speed of light – outpacing our collective ability to understand it, let alone govern it fully.” He stressed that because AI transcends national borders, no country can fully comprehend its implications independently. Therefore, it is vital that policies surrounding AI are built on reliable facts rather than guesswork, hype, or disinformation.
To facilitate this, the UN has initiated the creation of mechanisms that prioritize scientific evidence in international cooperation on AI. This effort begins with the establishment of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, which comprises 40 leading experts tasked with addressing “the AI knowledge gap.” Their objective is to assess the true impacts of these technologies across diverse economies and societies, enabling countries, regardless of their AI capabilities, to make informed decisions.
The panel is expected to produce a preliminary report ahead of the upcoming Global Dialogue on AI Governance scheduled for July. This report aims to provide a shared analytical foundation for Member States, allowing them to transition from philosophical discussions to practical coordination anchored in evidence. The goal is to ensure that policy decisions are neither overly restrictive nor disengaged from reality, effectively enabling an environment where progress is monitored and risks are mitigated.
Guterres elaborated that a clear understanding of what AI systems can achieve will allow for smarter, risk-based regulations that protect individuals while promoting innovation. He articulated that science-driven governance acts as an accelerator rather than a hindrance, fostering safer, fairer, and more equitable progress.
Moreover, he acknowledged the challenges of international cooperation in the current climate, where trust is limited and technological rivalries are intensifying. He warned that without a common framework, conflicting regional policies could lead to increased costs and weakened safety measures, ultimately widening global disparities.
Highlighting the importance of a universal scientific approach, Guterres added that collaboration guided by the Independent Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance can help align technical baselines across countries. He called on global leaders to understand the decision-making processes surrounding AI, challenge these decisions, and demand transparency, urging for “Less hype. Less fear. More facts and evidence.”
By harnessing the power of science, Guterres envisions transforming AI from a source of uncertainty into a reliable engine capable of driving forward Sustainable Development Goals. As countries stand at this pivotal junction, the focus now turns to fostering international unity in navigating the vast potential and challenges presented by AI.