The UN launches two new mechanisms for global AI governance

A historic decision by the UN General Assembly marks a turning point in the global governance of artificial intelligence. With a widely shared vote, Member States approved the establishment of two new instruments aimed at fostering international cooperation and coordination on one of the most transformative and controversial technologies of our time: the United Nations Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

The announcement was accompanied by a statement from the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, who conveyed António Guterres’ full support: “This milestone marks a significant step forward in global efforts to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while also addressing its risks. The two new mechanisms strengthen the commitment of Member States to follow up on the Global Digital Compact, adopted last September as part of the Pact for the Future.”

The Global Dialogue on AI Governance will provide an inclusive platform within the UN to discuss the most pressing issues related to AI: from its impact on jobs and security to the protection of human rights and privacy. At the same time, the Scientific Panel on AI will act as a bridge between cutting-edge research and policymaking processes, producing independent and rigorous scientific assessments to guide political choices. The Panel will present annual reports at the Global Dialogue, to be held in Geneva in July 2026 and in New York in 2027. In the coming weeks, the Secretary-General will launch an open call for the selection of members, inviting academics, experts, and civil society to contribute to an AI governance “in the service of the common good of humanity.”

If New York is about multilateralism, Washington’s day was dominated by a different tone. During a government meeting, President Donald Trump praised the economic results of the United States and, above all, the alleged overtaking of China in the race for artificial intelligence. “Now we are ahead of China,” he declared, emphasizing America’s industrial revival: trade deficit halved, energy prices falling, and booming prospects for the automotive industry within two years. But Trump added a caveat: “To maintain this standard, a lot of electricity is needed.” Hence his defense of coal—“clean,” in his words—and the relaunch of 58 new power plants, in stark opposition to wind turbines.

Alongside the presidential address, First Lady Melania Trump presented the Presidential Artificial Intelligence Challenge, an initiative aimed at students and teachers across the country. The goal: to provide younger generations with basic knowledge of AI. “In a few years, artificial intelligence will be the driving force of every economic sector,” she explained. “It is important that America leads the rest of the world.” The competition seeks to stimulate creativity and innovation, preparing a pool of talent capable of consolidating U.S. technological leadership.

Across the Atlantic, in Europe, the debate takes on different but no less urgent contours. Speaking at the Rimini Meeting, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola issued a warning: “If we do not change, we risk becoming irrelevant.” Metsola stressed the need to strengthen the single market in strategic sectors—energy, finance, telecommunications, defense—in order to close the technological gap with the United States and China. “If we are not leaders, we are followers. Europe must become more agile, faster, and fairer,” she declared, criticizing the excess of bureaucracy that slows down EU institutions. With an implicit reference to the global AI race, the President reiterated: “We cannot limit ourselves to giving lectures with a moralistic tone. We must act more.”

The challenge of artificial intelligence has now become the very heart of 21st-century geopolitical competition. It remains to be seen whether the logic of global cooperation will prevail, or that of rivalry between great powers.