United Nations seeks global governance to prevent AGI misuse

On July 12, 2025, the United Nations outlined key recommendations for global governance of artificial general intelligence (AGI). This move follows a growing concern within the AI community that humanity is approaching the development of AGI, systems that can potentially match or exceed human intelligence. The U.N. emphasized the urgency of coordinated international action to prevent AGI from being developed in ways that could endanger global security, suggesting that without proactive measures, competition among nations and corporations could result in unsafe advancements in AGI technology. Among the four main recommendations featured in the recent U.N. report, one of the key proposals is the establishment of a global AGI Observatory. This online platform would serve as a centralized, reliable source of information regarding AGI developments, aimed at combating misinformation that currently pervades discussions about AGI. Critics have suggested that such an observatory may duplicate efforts already undertaken by various countries or private entities; however, the report stresses the need for a unified approach to foster a level playing field in AGI development among nations. Another significant recommendation involves formulating a U.N. AGI Agency, which would focus on the specific challenges and risks associated with AGI. Although some have warned that creating such an agency may result in bureaucratic delays due to international disagreements, proponents argue that it may be crucial to ensure effective governance of AGI. The report notes that as AGI technology rapidly evolves, careful management is necessary to ensure that its benefits are equitably distributed around the globe. In summary, the United Nations is actively seeking to address the potential risks posed by AGI by establishing frameworks and agencies to oversee its development and use. The urgency of the situation requires immediate and collaborative efforts from member nations to manage and mitigate the inherent dangers that AGI may introduce if left unchecked. The proposed recommendations will be considered by the Council of Presidents of the U.N. General Assembly with the aim of integrating these into broader initiatives concerning the regulation of AI technology.