World Leaders Clash Over AI Governance at UN Assembly
World leaders at the 81st UN General Assembly debated artificial intelligence governance, with developing nations demanding equal representation while Donald Trump dismissed AI risks.
More than 60% of world leaders referenced artificial intelligence during high-level addresses at the 81st UN General Assembly, according to analysis of speeches from 122 countries. This represents a surge in diplomatic interest, with 128 delegations addressing the technology this year compared to only five four years ago. While nearly 75% of participants also addressed climate challenges, AI emerged as a primary point of contention regarding global power and equity.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, urged coordinated international action and equal representation for developing nations, comparing the speed of AI development to the climate crisis. Leaders from Africa, Asia, and Latin America warned that concentrated regulation in wealthy nations could deepen global inequalities and reproduce historical economic imbalances. They argued that developing countries must help shape the standards and norms of the technology rather than remaining mere users of systems designed elsewhere.
These calls for governance contrast with the position of U.S. President Donald Trump, who dismissed concerns over AI risks as a conspiracy and argued that such fears are overblown. Meanwhile, UN officials noted that while women's representation among rostrum speakers increased slightly to 14% from 12% in 2025, the pace of progress remains insufficient.
