UN chief urges global AI cooperation saying world can’t afford ‘a race to the bottom on AI safety’

The United Nations chief, António Guterres, called for global cooperation from AI competitors to address the technology's safety threats, stating that the world cannot afford a race to the bottom on AI safety. He emphasized that concerns raised by those on the frontlines of AI development about the risks of its rapid advancement should not be ignored.

Guterres stressed that national action is crucial, but global coordination is equally essential. He proposed a slowdown in AI development by leading companies and governments to build trust, ensuring AI is safe, transparent, accountable, and centered on human dignity. OpenAI's Sam Altman, SpaceXAI's Elon Musk, and others have advocated for a slower pace of AI development, while Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reiterated the need for safety measures in AI technology.

However, obstacles such as domestic and global competition, especially from China, and profit motivations hinder a coordinated effort. President Donald Trump dismissed AI-related risks as a hoax. Guterres highlighted AI's potential benefits, including economic development and healthcare improvements, but warned of its "existential" threat if it becomes uncontrollable.

He noted that AI will be a major focus in his discussions with world leaders at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly session. The General Assembly established the first global scientific body on AI in 2025, which issued a preliminary report in July warning of potential harms to mental health, destructive use, and impacts on social, economic, and environmental systems.

Guterres acknowledged geopolitical divides but urged countries with advanced AI capabilities to cooperate, exchange information, and establish common safeguards to prevent a dangerous "race to the bottom" that could lead to a global disaster.