UN ECOSOC meeting urges global, inclusive AI governance and investment in capacity building

New York — Representatives at a United Nations Economic and Social Council special meeting on artificial intelligence called on member states, the private sector and international organizations on Thursday to coordinate governance, boost funding for capacity building, and ensure AI benefits reach the global majority.

The meeting brought together ECOSOC leadership, UN agency officials, national delegations and private-sector representatives to discuss how AI can advance the Sustainable Development Goals while limiting harms. "How can we make sure that artificial intelligence can be a force for good?" asked ECOSOC President Bob Rae in opening remarks, framing the session around inclusion and risk management.

Speakers repeatedly urged shared scientific and policy resources. Under‑Secretary Amandeep Singh Gill noted that "member states have agreed to establish an independent international scientific panel on AI" and to convene a global dialogue on AI governance, and said the Secretariat would prepare financing options to present to the General Assembly at its 79th session. Delegations and panelists described those three pathways as evidence building, regulatory interoperability and financing for capacity-building.

Why it matters: delegates said decisions made now will shape who…