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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for coordinated international action to address the risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) as concerns grow over the technology’s rapid development.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Guterres said national efforts to manage AI are necessary but need to be matched by global coordination because the technology and its risks cross national borders.
He acknowledged AI’s potential to accelerate sustainable development, improve learning, strengthen health systems and support climate resilience.
However, Guterres warned that concerns are growing among people developing the technology, with some raising alarms that AI development was outpacing understanding of its potential risks.
He said countries should avoid competing to weaken AI safety standards and instead work together to address emerging risks.
“National action is essential. But global coordination is also indispensable,” he told reporters. “AI does not stop at borders and neither do its risks.”
“AI has enormous potential — to accelerate sustainable development, enhance learning, strengthen health systems, boost climate resilience, and so much more,” Guterres said.
“But a growing number of those building it are sounding the alarm — warning that development is racing ahead of our understanding of the risks.
“The world cannot afford a race to the bottom on AI safety,” he warned.
Concerns over AI safety have intensified in recent weeks, with some workers at major AI developers resigning over the technology’s potential dangers.
United States President Donald Trump has dismissed warnings about AI risks as a “hoax” and rejected calls for tighter oversight.
