UN Secretary-General Announces New AI Advisory Body to Strengthen Global AI Governance

On October 26 (local time), UN Secretary‑General António Guterres announced the establishment of a new artificial intelligence (AI) advisory body to support the international community in strengthening AI governance.

Guterres emphasized that AI has transformative potential that is difficult to grasp, and if misused it could erode trust in institutions and weaken social cohesion. He called for a global, multi‑stakeholder, multidisciplinary dialogue on AI governance to maximize its benefits for all humanity while curbing and reducing risks.

He urged the creation of a global dialogue involving multiple stakeholders and disciplines to ensure AI serves humanity and mitigates potential dangers, with the new high‑level advisory body serving as the starting point.

The advisory body brings together 39 experts from governments, the private sector, research, civil society and academia, featuring global representation, gender balance, and interdisciplinary expertise. Its current tasks include building a global scientific consensus on AI risks and challenges, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals through AI, and strengthening international AI cooperation.

Additionally, the body will help coordinate existing and new AI governance initiatives, issue preliminary recommendations by the end of this year, and present final recommendations before next summer’s Future Summit. Its first meeting is scheduled for October 27 (local time).

Earlier this year, Guterres publicly noted that scientists and AI experts warn that AI could pose an existential threat comparable to nuclear war, urging the creation of a global regulatory agency modeled on the International Atomic Energy Agency, with expertise‑based authority.