The United Nations has established a 40-member scientific panel to study artificial intelligence (AI) risks, a move backed by most member states but strongly opposed by the United States. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the panel as a “foundational step toward global scientific understanding of AI,” aiming to provide independent, rigorous insights that all countries can use, regardless of their technological capacity.
A Global Effort to Understand AI
The Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence will release an annual report assessing AI’s risks, opportunities, and impacts. The UN describes it as the “first global scientific body of its kind.” The 40 members were chosen from more than 2,600 candidates after review by UN bodies and the International Telecommunication Union, with each serving a three-year term. Europe holds 12 seats, including experts from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Finland, Austria, Latvia, Turkey, and Russia.
Industry Experts Raise Alarm
The panel’s formation comes amid growing concern within the AI industry. Former Anthropic researcher Mrinank Sharma warned that “the world is in peril” from AI development and other global crises. OpenAI’s ex-lead researcher, Zoe Hitzig, also expressed deep reservations about her previous company’s approach. Prominent AI figures, including Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, and Steve Wozniak, have similarly warned of AI’s potential dangers.
U.S. Questions the UN’s Role
The United States, along with Paraguay, opposed the creation of the panel during the General Assembly vote, with two abstentions. Lauren Lovelace, the U.S. representative, called it “a significant overreach of the UN’s mandate and competence,” insisting that AI governance should not be dictated by the UN. Despite this pushback, UN officials maintain that the panel is intended as a scientific advisory body, offering independent guidance rather than enforcing global rules.
