AI Becomes the UN's Main Agenda for Global Governance.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has officially been placed on the UN's main agenda at the high-level meeting taking place this week in New York. For the first time, the General Assembly approves the establishment of two special mechanisms designed to steer AI governance globally. This decision marks a new phase in the world's efforts to both control and harness rapidly developing technology. UN emphasizes that AI is not merely a technology issue, but a cross-sector challenge involving security, the economy, climate, and human rights.

The first concrete step that has been approved is the launch.Global Dialogue on AI Governance. This forum will be a platform for member states, industry, academics, and civil society to discuss safety standards, transparency, and the ethics of AI usage. The first official meeting is scheduled to take place in Geneva in 2026, followed by one in New York in 2027. With this forum, the United Nations hopes to be able to consolidate the various regional and national initiatives that have so far been operating independently of one another. This global dialogue is considered important to prevent policy fragmentation that could undermine international cooperation.

The second mechanism is formation.Scientific Panel on AIwhich consists of 40 independent experts from various fields. This panel will work similarly to a scientific advisory board in the field of climate, albeit with a more flexible mandate. Two co-chairs will lead, each representing a developed country and a developing country. This panel is expected to produce an evidence-based report on the risks and opportunities of AI, ranging from the potential for disinformation, bio-risk, to energy usage by data centers. Their report will become an important reference for policymakers around the world.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that the world cannot wait until the harmful effects of AI truly emerge. They called this technology one of the global challenges that must be addressed together, on a par with the climate crisis and international conflicts. This statement reinforces the view that AI governance must be inclusive, by involving the voices of developing countries that have long been left behind in high‑level technology discussions.

The UN Security Council has also paid particular attention to this issue by holding an open debate on the role of AI in international peace and security. The discussion covers the use of AI in military operations, the potential for misuse for propaganda, and the need to ensure that this technology remains in line with international law. Some delegations highlighted the risk of power concentration in a handful of large companies that control advanced AI technology.

However, this UN decision has not escaped criticism. Several analysts assess that the new mechanism is still too weak compared with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) model. Without binding authority, the effectiveness of forums and panels will depend heavily on the willingness of governments and industries to follow the recommendations generated. There are also concerns about the speed of the UN's bureaucracy, which may struggle to keep up with the pace of dynamic AI development. The issue of representation has also emerged, particularly regarding the extent to which civil society and Global South countries are afforded space in this new structure.

Nevertheless, some parties see a great opportunity in this initiative. UN climate affairs chief, Simon Stiell, emphasized that AI can play a key role in optimizing energy systems and climate diplomacy. According to him, although it carries risks, this technology is also capable of accelerating innovation in mitigating the climate crisis if directed properly. The push for AI development to focus on energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources is growing stronger.

For the government, the presence of Global Dialogue implies the need to prepare a clear national position to participate in the 2026 meeting in Geneva. They must identify priorities, such as model security standards, cross-border data protection, and the impact on the workforce. In the meantime, tech companies need to anticipate new expectations related to algorithm transparency, independent audits, and risk reporting. UN recommendations, although not binding, have the potential to be adopted by many jurisdictions as soft-law references that influence domestic regulation.

Non-technology industries that use AI are also driven to strengthen internal governance. An inventory of model usage, impact assessment, and even human oversight of automated systems will become increasingly necessary. This practice is not only about compliance, but also safeguarding the business's reputation amid increasing public awareness of AI risks.

Overall, the UN's move to place AI on the main agenda reflects a global awareness that this technology has already reached a critical point. The world is faced with a choice between leveraging AI for the common good or letting it develop without a clear direction. With these two new mechanisms, the UN seeks to present a collective platform that can balance innovation with accountability.

The journey toward truly effective AI governance is still long. However, this week's decision marks an important turning point that can become the foundation for future global architecture. The big question is to what extent governments, industry, and civil society are willing to treat UN recommendations as a real benchmark. If a global agreement can be achieved, then AI can be directed to strengthen sustainable development, maintain peace, and support human rights.

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