The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, delivered a pivotal address to the Digital Cooperation Organization’s fifth general assembly, emphasizing the balance between innovation and accountability in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. As geopolitical tensions rise, Guterres highlighted the critical nature of digital cooperation for fostering dialogue, trust, and stability. He expressed the necessity for humanity to guide technological progress rather than be driven by it. The insightful discourse can be further explored in the details of his address.
Central to Guterres’ vision is the Global Digital Compact, a framework that aims to create an inclusive and secure digital future through collaboration among member states, private sectors, civil society, and international organizations. This initiative, rooted in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, seeks to govern AI responsibly. The UN, continuing its commitment, plans to host a Global Dialogue on AI Governance in July. This event will operate under the Global Digital Compact, providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss AI’s risks and its future implications.
In an effort to further bridge the digital divide, the UN General Assembly established an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence in August 2025. This panel aligns with the commitments of the Global Digital Compact, aiming to ensure equitable digital development across nations. The formation of this panel underscores the global consensus on addressing AI accountability, particularly in areas where the potential for technological disparity looms large.
The Digital Cooperation Organization, founded in 2020, represents 16 member states committed to nurturing a cross-border, sustainable digital economy. Such international collaborations are pivotal in the ongoing discourse on AI governance. Reports from additional discussions highlight the UN’s role as a mediator in navigating the complex landscape of AI technology, aiming to ensure its potential benefits are realized broadly and equitably.
Through these initiatives, the UN seeks to harness AI as a tool for global development while safeguarding against potential misuses. The Secretary General’s address echoes a growing chorus of advocates calling for thoughtful oversight in AI advancement, signifying a concerted global effort to achieve a fair and secure digital future.