General Assembly: 72nd plenary meeting, 80th session

Good afternoon. The 72nd Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. I would like, in keeping with established practice, to invite the attention of the Assembly to documents A/80/474, Addendum 1, and Addendum 2, in which the Secretary-General informs the President of the General Assembly that, since the issuance of his communication contained in document A/80/474, Ghana, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Togo have made the payment to reduce the arrears below the amount specified in Article 19 of the Charter. May I take it that the Assembly takes note of the information contained in these documents? It is so decided. The Assembly will resume its consideration of sub-item I of agenda item 115, entitled "Appointment of members of the Joint Inspection Unit". The documentation under this item is listed in the Journal of the United Nations. As indicated in the document, the Assembly is required during its current session to appoint two members of the Joint Inspection Unit to fill the vacancies that will arise from the expiration on 31 December 2026 of the term of office of two current members. in accordance with the procedures described in article 3 paragraph 1 of the statute of the joint inspection unit and resolution 61/238 the president of the General Assembly at the 42nd plenary meeting held on November 17th 2025 Having held the necessary consultations and on the basis of the candidates submitted by the Latin American and Caribbean States and the Western European and other States, requested Mexico and the United States of America to propose candidates to serve for a period of five years, beginning on January 1, 2027. The candidates should have experience in at least one of the following fields: oversight, audit, inspection, investigation, evaluation, finance, project evaluation, program evaluation, human resources management, management, public administration, monitoring and/or program performance, as well as knowledge of the United Nations system and its role in international relations. As a result of the consultations held in accordance with Article 3, paragraph 2 of the Statute of the Joint Inspection Unit, including consultations with the President of the Economic and Social Council and with the Secretary-General in his capacity as Chair of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, the President of the Assembly presents to the Assembly the following candidates. for appointment for a five-year term beginning January 1, 2027, and expiring on December 31, 2031. Carolina Fernandez Opazo of Mexico and Paul Hana of the United States of America. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to appoint Carolina Fernandez-Oposso of Mexico and Paul Hana of the United States of America for a five-year term beginning 1 January 2027 and expiring on 31 December 2031. It is so decided. I congratulate them on their appointment. May I take it that it's the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item i of agenda item 115? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider sub-item m of agenda item 115, entitled "Appointment of members of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence". The documentation under this item is listed in the Journal of the United Nations. In accordance with resolution 79/325 of August 26, 2025, the Secretary-General recommends the appointment of 40 members listed in his note to the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence for a three-year term from the date of appointment. Members are informed that a recorded vote has been requested on the list of 40 candidates recommended in the note by the Secretary-General as a whole. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote before the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanation of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed 10 minutes, and be made from their seats. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States.

Hello.

Take a second.

Thank you. Madam President, the United States calls for a recorded vote on the Secretary-General's recommended appointments to the independent international scientific panel on artificial intelligence, and we will vote no. As the global leader in AI development and industry, the United States is committed to sharing its technologies to enable countries around the world to realize the economic and societal benefits of AI. The Trump administration has mounted a comprehensive, whole-of-government push to implement and expand the AI export program for the United States. This includes sweeping policies and integrated tools across the State Department and Commerce Department, the Export-Import Bank, the Development Finance Corporation, Treasury, and other agencies to bring American AI hardware, software, and applications to the world. The United States stands resolved to do all it can to accelerate AI innovation, to build out AI infrastructure, and conduct AI diplomacy. The Trump administration has a clear message: American AI delivers innovation and enables sovereignty. We are mobilizing critical financing mechanisms, including dedicated World Bank funds, export-linked financing tools, and technical assistance mechanisms to boost AI readiness and lay the groundwork for future bankable partnerships in AI in priority markets. With sovereignty in mind, the United States wishes to register its strong objection to the establishment of the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence as currently constituted, and to the Secretary General's recommended list of panel members. The United States believes this panel and the associated global dialogue on AI governance represents a significant overreach of the UN's mandate and competence. The panel was erroneously mandated by the Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact, two frameworks that would propose UN regulation of AI we have consistently advocated against. The UN should focus on its core missions, international peace and security, human rights, and humanitarian assistance, rather than attempt to regulate or stifle the development of cross-cutting, technologies and cutting-edge technologies that will determine economic and strategic competition in the 21st century. AI governance is not a matter for the UN to dictate. The United States will support like-minded nations working together to encourage the development of AI in line with our shared values. We will not cede authority over AI to international bodies that may be influenced by authoritarian regimes seeking to impose their vision of controlled, surveilled societies. Specifically, the United States has serious concerns about the non-transparent way the panel was established and its members were selected. The selection process lacked adequate consultation with key stakeholders, including UN member states and UN agencies. The selection process did not allow adequate time for member states to field and select appropriate candidates who would represent their core interests. This election happened behind closed doors, with a short timeframe, and without adequate consultation. Such actions violate the initiative's original intent to be as broad-based and open as possible. The United States will gladly support like-minded nations working together to encourage the development of a multi-stakeholder model of AI in line with our shared values, but the UN is not the venue to achieve that vision. The United States intends to lead on AI with our allies and partners according to our shared values. We will export AI technology to countries that share our commitment to freedom and innovation, and together we will set the standards and build the infrastructure. We believe in AI freedom. We must ensure that AI serves human flourishing, not authoritarian control. We do not believe the United Nations is where these actions can or should take place. The proposed UN panel doesn't serve those goals, our countries, or our citizens, and it will not and cannot take the necessary steps to unleash the potential of this revolutionary technology in an effective or constructive manner. The United States, therefore, cannot support it, and we urge other delegations to join us in voting no. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United States. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegate, I'm honored to deliver this statement on behalf of the G77 and China. At the outset, we welcome the Secretary-General recommendation contained in the document A/80/619 for the appointment of the member of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence for a three-year term. The Group has always emphasized that the selection process for the Independent Panel should be transparent, inclusive and merit-based, while ensuring regional and academic diversity. In that sense, the Group recognized the Secretary-General's effort to ensure broad geographical representation among the recommended experts. The group reiterated that the independent panel must be multidisciplinary, evidence-based, and representative body that provides policy-relevant scientific assessment on the risk, opportunities, and governance of artificial intelligence, as well as impartial and evidence-based advice aimed at ensuring fair, equitable, enabled, and inclusive access to AI. Developing countries must be empowered to benefit from such impartial scientific guidance in order to further foster technological autonomy, seize opportunities, manage risk, bridge capacity gaps, and design national policies that are knowledge-driven and equitable. Throughout this process, we have consistently underscored the urgent need for comprehensive international frameworks that warrant the inclusion of developing countries in shaping the future of AI governance. This framework must uphold the principle of national sovereignty, equity, and transparency. To ensure that no country is left behind, cooperation must prioritize capacity building, affordable sustainable financing, technology transfer, fair, inclusive, and equitable data governance, and access to data and the training of the South-South and triangular cooperation. This effort should both accelerate the innovation and help narrow digital and development divides. If governed properly, AI could unlock new opportunities for improving public services, expanding access to education and health, and aiding digital economies, and accelerating the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. The group reaffirmed the independent panel should align with existing UN initiative through coordinate effort, ensure coherence and systematic capacity building, global AI governance alignment. The independent panel should also be linked to the global dialogue on artificial intelligence governance, with the panel's finding informing the policy discussion of the dialogue. To conclude, the group expressed its support to the recommendation as is presented by the Secretary General on the document A/80/619 and regret a vote has been called on such important matter. The group of G77 reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a fair and inclusive, transparent and equitable approach to AI governance. To succeed this effort, we will depend on fostering international cooperation, ensure equitable access, promote to share prosperity, bridging and preventing the widening existing digital divide, and ensure AI service as a tool for sustainable development for all. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ograi on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We have heard the last speaker in the explanations of vote before the vote. The Assembly will now proceed to a recorded vote on the appointment of the 40 candidates recommended in the note by the Secretary-General as a whole. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favour of the appointment, please signify. Those against? Abstentions?

The Assembly is now voting on the appointment of the 40 candidates recommended in the note by Secretary-General as a whole. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine.

The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 117, against 2, abstentions 2. The 40 candidates recommended in the note by the Secretary General are hereby appointed as members of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence for a term beginning on February 12, 2026 and ending on February 11, 2029. I congratulate them on their appointment. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanation of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed 10 minutes and be made from their seats. As the first speaker, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador, also on behalf of Estonia, followed by Cyprus and the United Kingdom.

Thank you very much, Madam President.

Of behalf of El Salvador and Estonia, co-chairs of the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance. We warmly welcome the GA's endorsement of the members of this panel and the appointment of this highly qualified group of leading scientists and experts. This endorsement is a meaningful step forward for multilateral efforts on one of the defining global issues of our time. It strengthens the UN's ability to anchor cooperation on AI in evidence, inclusion, and shared understanding. We look forward to the panel's independent, evidence-based assessments. that will analyze existing research on the opportunities, risks, and impacts of AI, reflected in an annual policy-relevant, non-prescriptive report, and as appropriate, supporting thematic briefs produced with scientific credibility and rigor, and strengthened by multidisciplinary perspectives and inclusive participation. As co-chairs of the Global Dialogue, we are committed to ensuring that the Dialogue's preparatory process is well-informed by the best available science, while fully respecting the independent mandate and distinct nature of both mechanisms. In this spirit, we look forward to engaging closely with the Panel so complementarity and coordination can be ensured, so the Panel's work can meaningfully inform the Dialogue's discussion, without prejudice to Member States' position, and without compromising scientific independence or the inclusive, multi-stakeholder character of the process. We underscore the importance of coordinated and cohesive secretariat support across the UN system, leveraging 16 capacities and mandates to ensure efficient and coherent delivery. We're looking forward to the Panel presenting its annual report at the Global Dialogue. We congratulate the appointment of these members and assure them our readiness to engage in a coherent but also in a constructive manner to assure the best possible outcome for the first global dialogue on AI governance. And Madam Chair, I cannot finish this statement without also recognizing the fantastic work led by the permanent representatives of Spain and Costa Rica and their teams in establishing this important panel. Thank you very much.

Thank you, and I think we can underline these kind words to the former chairs. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of Cyprus on behalf of the European Union, followed by the United Kingdom and Spain.

Madam President, Excellencies, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its member states, as well as Albania, Armenia, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Georgia, Israel, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Switzerland, and Ukraine. First and foremost, allow me to express our gratitude to the Secretary-General for presenting a list of 40 recommended members for the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, as requested by the General Assembly in the modalities resolution adopted last year. I would also like to once again extend our deep appreciation to the permanent representatives of Spain and Costa Rica, who spared no efforts as co-facilitators of said resolution. The substantial number of applications received for the panel reflects the strong global interest in this UN mechanism. We recognize the formidable task of selecting 40 experts amongst 2,700 applications and commend the Secretariat for assembling such a high-level and balanced panel, in particular with regards to geographic and gender balance, while ensuring its scientific credibility and multidisciplinary nature. We are pleased to welcome the establishment of the independent international scientific panel on AI, which will allow for the advancement of the understanding of AI, including the opportunities, risks, and impacts of AI on humanity. We call on the 40 members serving in their personal capacity to uphold the scientific excellence and independence of the panel, which will be essential to its legitimacy. We look forward to the panel's work as a key building block in the ongoing discussions on AI at the UN. As the panel begins its work, we stress the importance of ensuring that its secretariat draws on the full breadth of expertise and resources available across the United Nations system and already gathered within the Interagency Working Group on AI. Madam President, Excellencies, We remain steadfast in our commitment to engaging constructively with all stakeholders to advance discussions on AI at the UN. Let us work together to ensure the UN is well equipped, inclusive, relevant and effective in addressing this matter. Let us demonstrate our collective resolve to harness this transformative technology to ensure it is safe, secure, trustworthy, and contributes to sustainable development for the benefit of all. Thank you.

I thank the Distinguished Representative of Cyprus on behalf of the European Union. I now give the floor to the Distinguished Representative of the United Kingdom, followed by Spain and China.

Madam President, the United Kingdom thanks the Secretary-General for the list of recommended appointees. to the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and welcomes their willingness to serve on the panel in a personal capacity. We recall the constructive and valuable work of Costa Rica and Spain as co-facilitators, and we appreciate the efforts of those in the UN system who worked collaboratively to assemble a group of appointees that are multidisciplinary, geographically diverse, and science-focused. Madam President, trust is recognized as an essential ingredient for AI systems to be widely integrated into our lives and public services. The same is true for the panel. Trust in its independent nature, free from external and UN influence. Trust in its scientific rigor and integrity. Trust in its ability to reflect diverse perspectives. These are essential ingredients for the panel's legitimacy and for its reports to be widely utilized as all countries seek to understand the opportunities, risks, and impacts of AI. Before diving into this substantive task, we urge those appointed today to agree between themselves how the panel will conduct its work in a manner that is consistent with the principles set by member states. For example, by adopting procedures that guide how it writes reports, utilizes evidence, or manages conflicts of opinion, and making these operating procedures publicly available. Finally, we were pleased to see the Secretary-General announce secretariat arrangements for the panel last week. We call on the secretariat to work in an inclusive manner, fully utilizing the expertise of UNESCO, ITU, and ODET. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain, also on behalf of Costa Rica.

Madam President, Excellencies, I have the honor to take the floor on behalf of Ambassador Maritza Chan of Costa Rica and on my own behalf in our capacity as co-facilitators of resolution A/79/325. a resolution that established the independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the global dialogue on its governance. Its adoption by consensus was in itself a milestone, and therefore we welcome that the words contained in that resolution come to life today. With the appointment of the 40 members of the panel, the international community now has the first scientific body with a global mandate on artificial intelligence. This panel will work to deepen our understanding of the opportunities, risks and consequences of this technology for all. When Costa Rica and Spain undertook this process, we did so with the conviction that the governance of artificial intelligence must be informed by the better intelligence exceed the response capacities of any state acting alone. This technology generates an interdependence that demands governance frameworks that no state can build by itself. And as the Prime Minister of the government of Spain stated, at the launch last September, artificial intelligence may be unstoppable, but it cannot be ungovernable. Madam President, we welcome the list proposed by the Secretary-General and commend the rigorous selection process among more than 2,700 candidatures. The composition reflects a genuine effort to honour the principles agreed upon in the resolution, namely geographic balance, gender parity, multidisciplinary expertise and independence. As the Panel begins its work, we wish to underline three aspects. The first of these is its independence. The credibility of the Panel rests on the rigour of its assessments and its autonomy from potential pressures. The second is urgency. The Panel's first report, expected before the Global Dialogue in July 2026, will test its ability to produce timely and action-oriented assessments. In artificial intelligence, five years represents multiple cycles of innovation. Thirdly, institutional support. As of today, the Panel has the full backing of the Member States, but it now requires the existing and specialized resources of the United Nations system. As established in the resolution, the Panel must have a secretariat composed of an inter-agency team in which the General Secretariat, the International Telecommunications Union, UNESCO and other relevant entities participate on conditions of equality, coordination and cooperation, thereby avoiding any dysfunction. Beyond the panel lies the global dialogue. For this reason, we look forward with equal interest to the Global Dialogue, and we wish El Salvador every success in this process. The dialogue must be open and inclusive, and allow me to stress this, driven by Member States with the active participation of relevant stakeholders. For this reason, the will of Member States must be respected, and indeed, it is the Member States who approve and advance these initiatives. Costa Rica and Spain remain fully committed to the success of both pillars. My country, in particular, wishes to reiterate our willingness to host the first in-person meeting of the scientific panel. And we do so because we understand what is at stake. Artificial intelligence will redefine the future of humanity. This panel and this dialogue exist to ensure that this transformation promotes the well-being of all, grounded in scientific rigor and political inclusiveness. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Spain, also on behalf of Costa Rica. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China, followed by Ukraine and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Chair. Thank you, President. China aligns itself with the statement by Lior Gray on behalf of G77 and China. China welcomes the GA's successful consideration of appointment of members of independent international scientific panel on artificial intelligence. We congratulate all members on their appointment. We commend the president and the secretariat for their efforts in advancing the relevant work. And thank Spain and Costa Rica for their efforts. China consistently and firmly supports the UN enacting as the main channel for global AI governance We actively promote the implementation of the Global Digital Compact, the GA resolutions establishing the panel and the global dialogue, as well as the resolution on strengthening international cooperation on AI capacity building. We look forward to the scientific panel upholding the principles of independence, objectivity, and professionalism, anchoring its work in scientific evidence and development realities, and providing member states with high quality, forward-looking analysis and recommendations. With regard to the panel's future work, China believes that the following aspects merit particular attention. First, priority should be given to capacity building as a core issue. The two resolutions stress that the work of the panel and the global dialogue should help advance capacity building and encourage coordination within the UN system and among interagency mechanisms in reporting progress and challenges in this area. The panel's outputs should fully reflect assessments, research and analysis on capacity building and help build consensus for targeted capacity building efforts. Second, the panel's work shall serve sustainable development and UN agenda in accordance with the resolution on the two mechanisms, the panel's research and recommendations should be closely aligned with the 2030 agenda with a focus on the application of AI in poverty reduction, education, health, agriculture and climate change, so that AI can truly become a tool for advancing sustainable development. Third, an inclusive and diverse perspective must be upheld. The panel's experts come from multiple disciplines and fields. In its working methods and presentation of outputs, it should fully reflect the experiences and needs of countries from different regions and at different stages of development, in particular the real needs of developing countries. A single technological model or governance concept should not be taken as the standard. The right of all countries to independently choose their paths for AI development and governance should be fully respected. The President of China has put forward the Global Governance Initiative and the Global AI Governance Initiative. China is actively implementing the AI+ International Cooperation Initiative. Each July, China hosts the World AI Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance. Together with Zambia, China has launched the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI capacity building. These initiatives and actions are practical measures through which China practices multilateralism and responds to the calls of Global South. They are also concrete steps demonstrating China's support for the UN-centered global AI governance. China stands ready to work with all parties to further deepen international cooperation on AI and jointly promote AI for good in an open and inclusive manner that benefits all. Thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of China. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.

Madam President, the delegation of Ukraine aligns itself with the statement delivered by Cyprus on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. Now we would like to make a statement in our national capacity to explain our position after the vote on the decision on the appointment of members of the independent international scientific panel on artificial intelligence. The delegation of Ukraine abstained during the vote on this decision. Ukraine supported the establishment of the independent international scientific panel on artificial intelligence during the intergovernmental negotiations that led to the adoption of the relevant General Assembly resolution. In this regard, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to the permanent representatives of Spain and Costa Rica for their able stewardship of the negotiations as co-facilitators. The panel has an important role to play by issuing scientific based assessments, synthesizing and analyzing existing research related to the opportunities, risks and impacts for artificial intelligence. However, with regard to today's decision, our delegation has serious reservations regarding the appointment of the expert nominated by the Russian Federation. Based on available information, The expert maintains close links with various state institutions of the Russian Federation, including but not limited to serving as one of the managers of one of the divisions within one of the leading Russia's state-owned banks. This raises serious concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest that may affect the expert's impartiality or independence. In conclusion, Madam President, Ukraine attaches particular importance to ensuring that expert bodies established under the auspices of the United Nations maintain the highest standards of independence, integrity, and professional credibility. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, followed by Mexico.

Thank you, Madam President, for the floor. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Madam President, at the outset, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Allow me to highlight the following point in my national capacity. Madam President, development pillars should be focused in our work. developing countries suffering from digital and AI divide. We need an inclusive global governance in which the voice of developing countries be heard. Having said that, my delegation thanks the delegation of Spain and Costa Rica for leading this important process. Madam President, we strongly believe that This process requires a multi-layered governance structure with clearly leading defined roles for member states and as well as scientific experts. And this process, governments should lead policy discussion. We have always emphasized that the selection process for the interdependence panel should be transparent, inclusive, and intergovernmental in its nature. Developing countries must be empowered to benefit from impartial scientific guidance in order to foster technological autonomy, seize opportunities, manage risks, bridge capacity gaps and design national policies that are knowledge driven and equitable. And finally, Madam President, to ensure that no country is left behind, cooperation in this process must prioritize capacity building, affordable and sustainable financing, technology transfer, fair, inclusive, equitable data governance and access to data. and a strengthening of South-South and triangular cooperation. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Madam President, Mexico welcomes the establishment of the independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. which we are convinced will contribute to strengthening our collective understanding of this issue. We are proud of the selection of Dr Carlos Artemio Coello Coello, who was nominated to the panel with the support of the Government of Mexico. Dr Coello is an outstanding researcher and a scientist of the highest distinction, recognised with some of the most prestigious awards in science and technology. nationally and internationally. With more than 600 scientific publications cited over 80,000 times, his work reflects an exceptional level of productivity, rigour and academic impact. We are confident that Dr. Cuello will make Mexico proud and that his contributions will help highlight the world-class scientific capabilities that our country possesses. Likewise, his participation will be key to ensuring that the scientific perspectives of the Global South are reflected in the development of international standards and principles in this field. For its part, Mexico would like to commend the work of the Secretary-General in the complex task of forming the Panel. We are very happy to see that there is a solid balance in terms of technical and disciplinary perspectives, as well as an appropriate geographical balance, considering the diversity of levels of technological development represented. We recognise and appreciate the profound sense of reflection and diligence that has guided this selection process. Therefore, we very much regret that a vote was requested on the list as a whole. Madam President, Mexico would like to underscore the importance of ensuring clear complementarity between the scientific panel and the global dialogue on artificial intelligence governance. We consider it essential that the panel fully preserve its scientific independence throughout its mandate, so that it may consolidate itself as an objective and reliable source of knowledge. enabling Member States to define priorities and guide their deliberations within the framework of the dialogue. At the same time, we hope that the dialogue will generate concrete outcomes that promote interoperability, the development of safety standards and regulatory frameworks, capacity building and international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. Mexico reaffirms its commitment to participate actively in these processes and to work closely with all stakeholders involved. Convinced as we are that responsible, inclusive, safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence can become a driver of innovation and development for all humanity. Thank you very much.

Thank you, the distinguished representative of Mexico. We've heard the last speaker in explanations of vote after the vote. May I take it that it's the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item M of the agenda item 115? It is so decided. The meeting is adjourned. I wish you all a good day.