The United Nations has warned that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is far outstripping governments’ ability to regulate the technology, calling for stronger international governance to ensure its benefits are shared safely and equitably across the world.
The warning is contained in a preliminary report prepared by the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, which will be presented to governments during the inaugural UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance scheduled to hold in Geneva from July 6 to 7. The assessment serves as a precursor to a more comprehensive report expected in 2027.
According to the report, AI has already transformed key sectors by accelerating scientific discoveries and improving healthcare, education, agriculture and food security. It noted that AI systems have predicted the structures of more than 200 million proteins, significantly speeding up drug discovery, vaccine development and research into antibiotic resistance.
The panel also highlighted AI’s growing role in identifying food insecurity before it escalates into humanitarian crises. In healthcare, doctors are increasingly relying on AI to detect diseases such as breast cancer at earlier stages, while health workers in developing countries are using AI-powered tools in local languages to improve patient care. The technology is also expanding access to personalised education, mental health support and assistive technologies for people with disabilities.
Despite these achievements, the report cautioned that AI governance is failing to keep pace with the technology’s rapid evolution. It warned that without effective oversight, AI could deepen global inequality, fuel the spread of misinformation, undermine human rights, disrupt labour markets and further concentrate power among a handful of governments and major technology companies.
The panel observed that AI systems are becoming increasingly autonomous, with the ability to plan tasks, write software and complete complex assignments with minimal human supervision. Researchers, it noted, believe AI capabilities are doubling every few months, making robust regulatory frameworks even more urgent.
The report further warned that AI is creating new security and social challenges, including cybercrime, fraud, online abuse, disinformation and mental health risks. It said criminals are already exploiting AI to launch sophisticated cyberattacks and social engineering scams, while some AI systems can reinforce harmful behaviours and beliefs that may contribute to mental health crises, including suicide.
