United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented pace, describing it as “moving at the speed of light,” as the UN unveiled a new Independent International Scientific Panel on AI. The panel has been created to assess how rapidly evolving AI technologies are transforming societies, economies and everyday life across the world, and to help guide global governance efforts.
The announcement includes a list of 40 experts nominated to serve on the panel, which will be submitted to the UN General Assembly for final approval. The initiative reflects growing international concern over the speed of AI development and the risks posed by insufficient regulation, misinformation and unequal access to technological benefits. According to Guterres, shared global understanding is essential to create safeguards, support innovation for the public good and promote international cooperation.
The origins of the panel date back to 2023, following the global attention sparked by the release of advanced generative AI systems. In response, the UN Secretary-General convened leading technologists and academics to develop recommendations for safe and inclusive AI governance. Their discussions led to the proposal for an independent scientific body supported by the United Nations but free from political influence.
The panel is intended to function as the first fully independent global scientific body dedicated to closing the AI knowledge gap. Its members will examine the real-world impacts of AI across key sectors such as health, energy and education, conduct in-depth studies on priority issues and share cutting-edge research to inform policymakers and the public.
The nominated experts were selected based on internationally recognised expertise in artificial intelligence, with attention given to geographical diversity and gender balance. The list includes academics, technologists and public figures from multiple regions, reflecting the global nature of AI development and its consequences.
Despite differing national views on regulation and growing geopolitical tensions, UN officials expressed confidence in the panel’s ability to build consensus. Drawing parallels with scientific cooperation during the Cold War, the UN emphasized its role as a platform where shared scientific understanding can transcend political divisions.
The General Assembly is expected to make a final decision on the panel’s membership in mid-February, with the first report scheduled for release by July. The findings are expected to play a key role in shaping global discussions on AI governance, risk management and responsible innovation.
