New Delhi – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged a science-based approach to the governance of artificial intelligence, arguing that it is crucial to unlock the technology’s potential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and prevent exacerbating global inequalities. Speaking at a side event during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on February 20, 2026, Guterres emphasized the need to move “beyond hype and fear” and focus on “facts and evidence” when shaping AI policy.
The call for a more grounded approach comes as AI rapidly transforms economies and societies worldwide. Guterres warned that without careful consideration and international cooperation, the benefits of AI could be concentrated in the hands of a few, deepening existing divides. He reiterated a previous call for a $3 billion global fund to ensure developing nations have access to AI technologies, a figure he described as “less than one percent of the annual revenue of a single tech company,” according to reporting from the UN News.
Central to Guterres’ vision is the establishment of a robust international architecture for AI governance, anchored by scientific expertise. He highlighted the newly formed Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence as a key component of this framework. The panel, comprised of 40 leading experts, will provide a shared baseline of analysis, helping member states transition from philosophical debates to practical technical coordination, as reported by the Economic Times.
“Guided by science, You can transform AI from a source of uncertainty into a reliable engine for the Sustainable Development Goals,” Guterres stated, emphasizing the importance of policy that is “as smart as the technology it seeks to guide.” He argued that a science-led approach will enable the development of “smarter, risk-based guardrails” to protect human rights, preserve human agency, and foster innovation.
Building a Science-Based Framework for AI
The UN Secretary-General stressed that science-led governance is not intended to hinder progress but rather to accelerate solutions. He explained that understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI systems is essential for creating effective safeguards. “When we understand what systems can do – and what they cannot – we can move from rough measures to smarter, risk-based guardrails,” he said. These guardrails, he added, should build confidence and provide clarity for businesses, allowing innovation to flourish in a responsible direction.
Guterres emphasized the importance of “human control” as a technical reality, not merely a slogan. He called for meaningful human oversight in high-stakes decisions related to justice, healthcare, and credit, alongside clear accountability mechanisms to prevent responsibility from being outsourced to algorithms. “People must understand how decisions are made, challenge them – and get answers,” he asserted.
Focus on Inclusivity and Global Cooperation
The UN chief too highlighted the need for inclusivity in the development and deployment of AI. He spent time with participants from the WeSTEM project, led by UN Women India, which focuses on empowering women, particularly those from marginalized and tribal communities, in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This initiative underscores the importance of ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all, as noted by Republic World.
Guterres described science as a “universal language” that can facilitate alignment on technical baselines and interoperability through the Independent Panel and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. He believes that agreeing on standardized testing methods and risk assessment procedures will be crucial for fostering international cooperation.
What’s Next for Global AI Governance?
The establishment of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence marks a significant step towards a more informed and coordinated approach to AI governance. The panel’s initial task will be to analyze AI risks, opportunities, and societal impacts, providing evidence-based recommendations to member states. The ongoing Global Dialogue on AI Governance, launched in July, will serve as a platform for continued discussion, and collaboration. The UN’s efforts aim to create a framework that balances innovation with the need to protect human rights and ensure equitable access to the benefits of AI.
As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the international community faces the challenge of adapting governance structures to retain pace. The emphasis on science-led decision-making, as advocated by Secretary-General Guterres, represents a crucial step towards navigating this complex landscape and harnessing the potential of AI for the benefit of all. What remains to be seen is how effectively member states will collaborate and implement the recommendations of the Scientific Panel and the outcomes of the Global Dialogue.
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