RismadarVoice Reporters
September 22, 2026
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on countries with the most advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to establish direct channels for dialogue, transparency and cooperation over the future development of the technology.
Guterres appealed on Tuesday during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, drawing parallels with efforts by Cold War rivals to manage shared risks despite their strategic differences.
“Governments with the greatest AI capabilities have the greatest responsibilities to humanity, to establish channels for dialogue, transparency, trust and cooperation,” Guterres said.
He noted that during the Cold War, strategic rivals eventually recognised the need to communicate and manage risks that could have threatened global security.
The call comes as the United States and China, the world’s two leading AI powers, explore ways to maintain communication on artificial intelligence ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The discussions are taking place amid growing concerns over the rapid development of increasingly powerful AI systems and the potential risks associated with their deployment.
Artificial intelligence has emerged as one of the major issues at this year’s UN General Assembly. More than 20 countries have also called for binding safety measures for advanced AI, warning that technological development could move faster than international efforts to establish effective safeguards.
The United States and China were not among the signatories to that call.
Trump has publicly opposed what he considers excessive regulation of the AI industry, saying on Saturday that he would not allow what he described as the “destruction” of the sector because of concerns about potential risks.
China’s President Xi, meanwhile, said in July that AI development should not be controlled by a single country and called for greater international cooperation.
The latest diplomatic engagement between Washington and Beijing has also included discussions on artificial intelligence.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that talks with Chinese officials on trade and AI had been “very successful”. The discussions lasted about eight hours and involved Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US trade representative Jamieson Greer.
The meetings were held ahead of a possible summit between Trump and Xi, with AI and trade among the issues expected to feature in discussions between the two countries.
Guterres’ appeal comes as governments and technology companies face growing pressure to balance rapid AI development with concerns over safety, security and international coordination.
