The United Nations has approved the creation of a 40-member international panel to examine the risks and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence, moving forward despite firm opposition from the United States. The decision comes at a time when concerns about AI are growing louder, including from insiders within the tech industry itself.
The UN General Assembly voted 117–2 in favour of establishing the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, with the United States and Paraguay voting against. Tunisia and Ukraine abstained, while Russia, China and several European nations supported the measure.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the panel as a crucial milestone. He called it a “foundational step toward global scientific understanding of AI,” adding that in a world where the technology is advancing rapidly, independent and rigorous analysis is urgently needed so all countries — regardless of their technological capabilities — can engage on equal terms.
A First-of-Its-Kind Global Body
The newly formed panel is being described by the UN as the first global scientific body dedicated specifically to artificial intelligence. Its members will produce an annual report examining AI’s risks, opportunities and broader societal impacts.
The 40 experts were chosen from more than 2,600 applicants following an independent review involving several UN entities and the International Telecommunication Union. Members will serve three-year terms.
Europe will hold 12 seats on the panel, including representatives from France, Turkey, Finland, Belgium, Latvia, Russia, Germany, Spain, Austria, Poland and Italy. The wide geographic spread is intended to ensure that the discussion reflects diverse perspectives and expertise.
Growing Alarm From Inside the Industry
The UN vote coincides with mounting unease within the AI sector. Some employees have walked away from leading AI companies, citing ethical and safety concerns.
Mrinank Sharma, a former safety researcher at Anthropic, warned in an open letter that rapid AI development, combined with other global crises, has left “the world in peril.” Meanwhile, Zoe Hitzig, a former top researcher at OpenAI, told The New York Times she has “deep reservations” about her former employer’s direction.
Prominent figures in the field have also voiced caution. Dario Amodei, Sam Altman and Steve Wozniak have all publicly highlighted the potential dangers of unchecked AI development.
U.S. Calls Move an Overreach
Despite broad international support, Washington strongly opposed the initiative. Lauren Lovelace, the U.S. representative, described the panel as “a significant overreach of the UN’s mandate and competence,” arguing that AI governance should not be dictated by the global body.
The divide underscores a wider debate over who should set the rules for AI as it reshapes economies, security and daily life. For supporters, the new panel represents a necessary step toward global coordination. For critics, it risks expanding the UN’s influence into an area they believe should remain under national control.
