Artificial Intelligence | UN General Assembly Approves Global AI Scientific Panel on Feb 13, 2026

LEDE PARAGRAPH

The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on February 13, 2026, to establish a 40-member global scientific panel aimed at assessing the wide-ranging impacts and inherent risks of artificial intelligence. 2, 3, 4, 5

WHAT HAPPENED / KEY DETAILS

The resolution, which saw 117 nations vote in favour, two against (the United States and Paraguay), and two abstentions (Tunisia and Ukraine), marks a significant international step towards understanding and potentially governing the rapidly evolving field of AI. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 The newly approved Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence will consist of 40 scientific experts, selected from over 2,600 candidates, who will serve in their personal capacity for a three-year term running from February 2026 to February 2029. 2, 6, 8 This panel is tasked with producing annual evidence-based reports examining AI's opportunities, risks, and broader societal effects, including its technological evolution alongside economic, ethical, and social implications. 2, 3, 6

OFFICIAL POSITION / INTERNATIONAL REACTION

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the adoption of the resolution as a "foundational step" towards achieving a unified global scientific understanding of artificial intelligence, emphasising the panel will provide rigorous, independent scientific insight to enable all member states to engage on an equal footing. 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 He has called it the first fully independent global scientific body dedicated to bridging the AI knowledge gap. 4, 7 However, the United States strongly objected to the panel's creation, with U.S. Mission counselor Lauren Lovelace characterising it as "a significant overreach of the U.N.'s mandate and competence" and asserting that AI governance is not a matter for the U.N. to dictate. 2, 3, 4, 13 Other countries, such as Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, countered this view, stressing the need for inclusive international frameworks that ensure developing countries have a fair role in shaping AI governance. 2

TIMELINE / WHAT'S NEXT

The establishment of this 40-member panel initiates a long-term process to systematically evaluate AI's trajectory and influence. The panel is expected to deliver its first report by July 2026, in time for the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. 7, 10, 14 This foundational step is expected to inform member states globally, including India, on best practices and potential regulatory approaches as they navigate the rapid technological changes brought by AI.

CONTEXT / BACKGROUND

The decision by the U.N. General Assembly comes amidst increasing global discussions about the ethical, economic, and security implications of artificial intelligence. Governments worldwide, including India, are grappling with how to harness AI's benefits while mitigating its risks. 13 India is actively participating in these global discussions; U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is slated to participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, 2026, an event organised by India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. 11 Notably, an Indian expert, Balaraman Ravindran from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, is among the 40 appointed members of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, underscoring India's growing prominence in the global AI landscape. 9, 11 India has been praised for its leadership in hosting such a significant global AI forum, particularly as the first of its scale in the Global South. 12, 14 The creation of this dedicated scientific body at the U.N. level underscores the urgency and complexity of AI governance, aiming to provide an authoritative, science-based foundation for global AI policy development. 2, 3, 4, 7

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The U.N. General Assembly has approved a 40-member global scientific panel to assess AI impacts and risks. 2, 3, 4, 5
• The resolution passed with 117 votes in favour, despite objections from the U.S. and Paraguay. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed it as a "foundational step" for global scientific understanding of AI. 2, 3, 4, 6, 8
• The panel will serve a three-year term, producing annual reports, with its first expected by July 2026. 2, 6, 7, 10
• India has an expert on the panel and will host the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, highlighting its significant role in global AI discussions. 9, 11, 12

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

• What is the purpose of the new U.N. AI scientific panel?
  The U.N. General Assembly has established a 40-member global scientific panel to comprehensively assess the opportunities, risks, and broader societal impacts of artificial intelligence. Its primary purpose is to foster a shared, rigorous, and independent scientific understanding of AI's implications across various sectors worldwide. 2, 3, 6, 8
• Which countries opposed the U.N. resolution on the AI panel?
  The United States and Paraguay were the two nations that cast dissenting votes against the United Nations General Assembly's resolution to establish a global scientific panel on artificial intelligence. Tunisia and Ukraine abstained from the vote. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• What was U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's view on the AI panel?
  U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the approval of the global scientific AI panel as a "foundational step" towards achieving a unified international scientific understanding of artificial intelligence. He emphasised that the panel would provide crucial independent insight to help all member states engage equally with AI's rapid advancements. 2, 3, 4, 6, 8
• What is India's involvement in the U.N.'s new AI initiative?
  India demonstrates significant involvement in global AI governance, notably with Balaraman Ravindran from IIT Madras serving as one of the 40 experts on the U.N.'s new scientific AI panel. Furthermore, India will host the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, 2026, where U.N. Secretary-General Guterres will participate. 9, 11, 12

Last Updated: February 13, 2026