20 Countries Call for Global AI Oversight Body to Address Emerging Risks

20 Countries Call for Global AI Oversight Body to Address Emerging Risks
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Twenty countries and the European Union have called for stronger international cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI), including the possible creation of a global institution responsible for setting standards and overseeing advanced AI development.

The joint declaration, issued ahead of the United Nations General Assembly discussions on AI risks, urged governments and technology companies to ensure that AI remains under “human direction, oversight and control” and is developed in line with international law.

The proposal calls for shared safety standards, reporting of serious AI incidents, and the creation of an international body that could establish guidelines, verify compliance, and coordinate responses when AI systems reach critical capability levels.

The signatories include Germany, South Africa, Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore, along with leaders from several other countries and European institutions. The United States and China, the world’s leading AI powers, did not join the statement, while the declaration remains open for additional endorsements.

The initiative comes amid growing global debate over AI safety, following warnings from technology leaders about the risks of rapidly advancing systems. Industry figures, including executives from major AI companies, have called for stronger safeguards and international technical standards.

The UN-backed Independent International Scientific Panel on AI also supported calls for new protections, saying recent incidents involving AI systems have highlighted weaknesses in existing safety measures.