United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is advocating for science-led governance of Artificial Intelligence to drive sustainable development. He stated that AI can transition from a source of uncertainty to a reliable engine for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Guterres emphasized that policy must evolve to match the rapid pace of AI innovation. To ensure AI serves humanity, policy decisions require trustworthy, shared facts across nations and sectors, not guesswork.
In response, the UN has established an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, comprising 40 leading experts. This panel aims to bridge the AI knowledge gap and assess the real-world impacts of AI on economies and societies. It will provide a shared analytical baseline, enabling member states to move from theoretical debates to coordinated technical actions anchored in evidence.
Guterres clarified that science-led AI governance is an accelerator for solutions, not a barrier to progress. It will help identify where AI can deliver the most significant benefits quickly and ensure progress is safer, fairer, and more broadly shared. The international community can also anticipate potential risks to areas like children's rights and labor markets, allowing countries to prepare and invest in their populations.
He warned that a lack of common standards amid technological rivalry could lead to fragmentation, with incompatible policies and technical standards weakening safety and widening global divides. The UN's initiatives, including the Independent Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, aim to align technical baselines.
Concluding his remarks, Guterres stressed that while science informs, meaningful human oversight in AI decision-making is essential. This includes clear accountability, ensuring responsibility is not delegated to algorithms, and enabling individuals to understand, challenge, and receive answers regarding AI-driven decisions.