United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used his final General Assembly address on Tuesday to call for AI regulation, an end to wars and UN reforms.
Guterres, whose second five-year term ends on December 31, urged world leaders to strengthen international cooperation on emerging technologies.
He also called for stronger action on climate change and reforms to international institutions facing growing global challenges.
The UN chief said countries leading the AI revolution must share information about emerging safety risks and cooperate on testing and evaluation.
He also urged nations to develop common safeguards and establish a multilateral framework for managing AI risks.
Guterres called for credible and independent oversight to ensure responsible development of artificial intelligence.
His remarks came as the UN Security Council prepared to host a briefing on AI involving technology leaders.
UN chief highlights global challenges
Meanwhile, Guterres reflected on growing divisions within the United Nations during his decade-long tenure.
Nearly 130 world leaders gathered in New York, although several prominent leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, skipped the meeting.
Delegates applauded when Guterres defended a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians.
He also demanded that polluters pay for climate-related damage and urged changes to international institutions.
Guterres has promoted the UN as a platform for resolving conflicts and governing emerging technologies.
However, major powers have increasingly bypassed the organisation, while Washington has reduced its financial support.
The UN established a 39-member advisory body on AI in 2023, bringing together technology executives, officials and academics.
The Security Council also held its first meeting on AI risks that year, highlighting concerns about the technology’s impact on global security.
