António Guterres has called for an international regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence, warning that the technology presents significant risks and that protecting children and young people must be a global priority.
Speaking at the opening of an international conference in Geneva, Guterres said AI is already transforming the world at an unprecedented pace.
“AI is already fundamentally transforming our world. A technology that can reshape economies, transform the world of work, influence elections, and shift the balance of security is advancing faster than anyone including its developers can fully understand,” he said.
Guterres stressed that such a powerful technology requires clear international rules and safeguards.
“If AI is to truly serve humanity, it must be governed.”
He also warned that AI is increasingly being used in armed conflicts, noting that autonomous weapons are becoming a growing reality on modern battlefields.
“Children Must Not Be Guinea Pigs”
The UN chief urged governments to align their legal and regulatory frameworks on AI, emphasizing that the protection of children and minors should be an absolute priority.
He warned that digital systems can encourage self-harm, expose young people to harmful influences, and create the illusion of genuine human relationships through AI-powered interactions.
“No child should become a guinea pig for unregulated artificial intelligence,” Guterres said.
He proposed that AI developers voluntarily commit to providing minors only with AI models that have been proven safe, while ensuring AI systems encourage children and young people to seek help from real people whenever signs of crisis or danger arise.
AI Risks Outpacing Oversight
The UN’s AI Dialogue is intended as a forum for governments, experts, and stakeholders to exchange ideas on AI governance rather than negotiate a binding international treaty.
A report prepared by an independent panel of 40 experts found that the capabilities of advanced AI models are doubling every four to seven months.
The report also warned that most countries lack the technical and financial resources needed to evaluate the world’s most advanced AI systems. In addition, limited transparency from major technology companies makes it difficult to independently assess the risks posed by increasingly powerful AI models.
