The United Nations has voted to establish a 40-member international scientific panel to assess the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence, marking a major step in global efforts to understand the fast-moving technology. The decision passed the General Assembly by a vote of 117-2, with the United States and Paraguay opposing the measure and Tunisia and Ukraine abstaining. Russia, China, and several European nations backed the initiative.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the new body as a “foundational step toward global scientific understanding of AI,” saying it would provide independent expertise at a time when AI development is accelerating worldwide.
A First-of-Its-Kind Global Body
The Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence will publish an annual report examining AI’s risks, benefits, and broader societal impact. According to the UN, it is the first global scientific body dedicated specifically to AI.
Guterres said the panel aims to fill a gap in objective analysis. “In a world where AI is racing ahead, this panel will provide what’s been missing — rigorous, independent scientific insight that enables all member states, regardless of their technological capacity, to engage on an equal footing,” he said.
The 40 experts were selected from more than 2,600 candidates following an independent review involving multiple UN agencies and the International Telecommunication Union. Members will serve three-year terms. Europe holds 12 seats, including representatives from France, Germany, Finland, Spain, Poland, Italy, and other nations.
Growing Concerns From Inside the AI Industry
The UN vote comes at a time of mounting unease within the AI sector itself. Former employees from leading companies have raised alarms about the pace and direction of development.
Mrinank Sharma, a former safety researcher at Anthropic, warned in an open letter that “the world is in peril” amid rapid AI advances and other global crises. Meanwhile, Zoe Hitzig, formerly a top researcher at OpenAI, told The New York Times she has “deep reservations” about her former company’s strategy.
High-profile technology leaders have also cautioned against unchecked AI growth. Among them are Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, and Steve Wozniak, all of whom have publicly warned about potential risks.
U.S. Pushback Over UN’s Role
Despite broad support, the United States strongly opposed the measure. Lauren Lovelace, the U.S. representative, called the initiative “a significant overreach of the UN’s mandate and competence,” arguing that AI governance should not be dictated by the organization.
The debate highlights a growing divide over who should shape global AI rules — national governments, international bodies, or the technology companies themselves. With the panel now approved, the UN is positioning itself as a central forum for scientific analysis, even as political disagreements continue.
