The UN General Assembly decided on August 26 to establish new frameworks to promote cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) governance. Two frameworks were established: the "Independent International Scientific Panel on AI" and the "International Dialogue on AI Governance," which were committed to in the Global Digital Compact adopted at the UN Future Summit in September 2024.
The Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will consist of 40 members and be responsible for compiling, analyzing research on AI opportunities, risks, and impacts, and producing annual reports. The International Dialogue on AI Governance is positioned as a forum for governments and stakeholders to discuss international cooperation, with discussions also covering AI's contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and reducing information gaps between nations and domestically. The first dialogue is scheduled for Switzerland in 2026, and the second for the United States in 2027.
Specific agenda items for the dialogue include: development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems; capacity building for addressing AI-related disparities, promoting access to AI utilization, and building capabilities in high-performance computing and skills in developing countries; respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights in AI; transparency, accountability, and human oversight of AI systems in compliance with international law; and development of open-source software, open data, and AI models.
Countries are also showing their own policies. During China's World AI Congress held July 26-28, Premier Li Qiang proposed promoting the right development of AI with awareness of global joint governance, and during the conference, an action plan was announced toward realizing commitments shown in the Global Digital Compact. On July 23, the U.S. Trump administration announced an AI action plan with some references to governance. It criticized that many current international organization governance development efforts support cumbersome regulations and cultural agendas that do not align with American values, and continued that they are influenced by Chinese companies intending to form standards for facial recognition and surveillance. Based on these concerns, the U.S. advocates an approach that promotes innovation, reflects American values, and counters authoritarian influence.