20 September 2026 — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged governments, technology companies and civil society to cooperate on artificial-intelligence safety.
Speaking ahead of the UN General Assembly’s high-level meetings, Guterres warned that competition between countries and companies must not create a global “race to the bottom” in safety standards.
He said artificial intelligence could accelerate sustainable development, strengthen health systems, improve education and help societies respond to climate risks.
At the same time, he noted that leading researchers and technology executives have warned that AI capabilities are developing faster than current understanding of their potential dangers.
Guterres called for guardrails that make AI systems safe, transparent and accountable while keeping human dignity at the centre of technological policy.
The UN has already created an international scientific body on AI, and the Secretary-General said governance of the technology would be a major subject in his discussions with world leaders.
His statement places international coordination at the centre of the policy debate, while recognizing that national regulation and responsible conduct by individual companies remain essential.
References
- Associated Press — UN chief urges global cooperation on AI safety
- Anadolu Agency — Guterres calls for transparent and accountable AI
- The Washington Post — Global AI-safety cooperation appeal
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