United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for stronger global cooperation on artificial intelligence safety, identifying runaway AI, the climate crisis and deepening inequalities as three existential threats facing the world. He made the remarks while briefing reporters ahead of the high-level week of the UN General Assembly.
Guterres stressed that AI holds enormous potential to accelerate sustainable development, improve learning and health systems, and strengthen climate resilience. However, he warned that development is racing ahead of a full understanding of the risks. “The world cannot afford a race to the bottom on AI safety,” he said, adding that voluntary pauses limited to a few countries would not be effective.
He underlined that governments must protect their citizens from AI-related threats and that national action is essential. At the same time, global coordination is indispensable because AI risks do not stop at borders. Guterres called for guardrails that make AI safe, transparent and accountable, with human dignity at the centre.
The Secretary-General pointed to the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, established under UN auspices, as a key mechanism to provide evidence-based assessments of the technology’s opportunities and risks. He said AI governance will feature prominently in his discussions with world leaders during the upcoming General Assembly session.
Guterres reiterated that international cooperation is more necessary than ever as the world confronts these interconnected challenges of advanced technology, climate change and inequality.