United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that artificial intelligence is advancing faster than governments and regulators can keep pace, calling for globally harmonised rules to ensure the technology develops safely and responsibly.
Speaking at the first-ever government-level Global Dialogue on AI in Geneva on Monday, Guterres said artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economies, labour markets, politics and global security, while regulation continues to lag behind.
‘AI Is Developing Faster Than Anyone Can Keep Up’
“A technology that can reshape economies, transform the world of work, sway elections and tilt the balance of security is being deployed faster than anyone including the people building it can keep up,” Guterres told delegates.
He stressed that while AI presents enormous opportunities, it also carries significant risks if left without effective international oversight.
Calls for Globally Harmonised AI Rules
The UN chief urged countries to work together on a common regulatory framework rather than pursuing fragmented national approaches.
He said internationally coordinated rules are essential to maximise AI’s benefits while reducing its potential harms, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children.
Guterres emphasised that AI governance must balance innovation with safeguards to prevent misuse, protect human rights and maintain public trust.
First Global Government Dialogue on AI
The meeting in Geneva marked the first government-level global dialogue dedicated to artificial intelligence under the United Nations.
The gathering brought together policymakers, experts and international organisations to discuss how governments can cooperate on standards, regulation and responsible AI development as the technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace.
With AI increasingly influencing economies, national security and democratic processes, Guterres said international cooperation is no longer optional but essential to ensure the technology serves humanity rather than undermining it.
(with inputs from Reuters)