NEW YORK, NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – Khalilur Rahman, who presides over the 81st United Nations General Assembly, emphasized the necessity for accelerated international efforts to regulate artificial intelligence. During the opening of the General Debate, he expressed concern that the UN risks lagging behind the rapid pace of technological advancements. Rahman encouraged nations to establish dependable safeguards grounded in scientific data, advocating for policies that also foster innovation. His statements highlighted artificial intelligence as a critical issue facing the global community.
Rahman highlighted that governments must play a central role in governing AI at the international level. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that expertise is also present within researchers, businesses, innovators, and civil society groups. He called for increased collaboration with those involved in developing and deploying AI, asserting their technical insights can enhance government discussions. This appeal reflects the growing influence of AI across public utilities, commercial sectors, and national infrastructure.
Rahman pointed out that AI is already integrated into electricity grids, water management, healthcare records, economic systems, and military operations. He warned against a race among nations to dominate the technology. Instead, he advocates for the implementation of practical boundaries that can mitigate risks while enabling beneficial applications. These safeguards should be based on credible scientific understanding. His remarks coincide with ongoing international efforts to establish frameworks that address AI risks, opportunities, and regulatory challenges.
UN Development of New AI Governance Structures
Over the past year, the United Nations has expanded its initiatives on artificial intelligence. The General Assembly established the Global Dialogue on AI Governance along with an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. The dialogue held its inaugural session in Geneva on July 6 and 7, 2026, facilitating discussions among governments, experts, and stakeholders on global AI policies. The scientific panel, comprising 40 members, evaluates AI’s opportunities, risks, and broader societal implications.
Before the General Debate commenced in New York, Rahman addressed AI governance. On September 10, he elaborated on how governments and other key players should manage the technologies already transforming societies. Additionally, on September 20, he met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union. Their discussions focused on cooperation in AI regulation, tackling advanced AI challenges, and maintaining ongoing engagement with industry as international AI initiatives evolve.
AI’s Role in Broader UN Reform Dialogue
Rahman connected artificial intelligence to a wider conversation about the United Nations’ approach to rapidly evolving global issues. He stressed that member states and the UN Secretariat remain pivotal to this effort. Simultaneously, he emphasized the importance of external expertise in highly technical fields, noting that researchers, private firms, and civil society groups can offer vital specialized knowledge to policymaking processes. These comments were made during the high-level segments of the General Assembly in New York.
The 81st session’s General Debate began on September 22 and is scheduled to conclude on September 28. Rahman recalled previous major technological and security challenges faced by the UN, such as nuclear proliferation and human cloning. He also pointed to international efforts to safeguard the ozone layer. Regarding artificial intelligence, he called for leadership grounded in science and technical expertise. His core message was the importance of ensuring that international governance remains relevant as AI becomes increasingly pervasive in societal and critical infrastructure applications.