Welcome to the third daily report from the General Debate at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA80). Our daily hybrid AI–human reports bring you a concise overview of how world leaders are framing the digital future.
On Day 3, AI and digital transformation remained at the forefront of global debates. Member states voiced both optimism and concern: from calls for ethical, human-centred governance of AI and stronger safeguards for peace and security, to warnings about disinformation, repression, and widening digital divides. Governments also highlighted the promise of digital technologies for development, stressing the importance of inclusion, connectivity, and technology transfer. The discussions underscored a common thread—while digital innovation offers extraordinary opportunities, its risks demand global cooperation, shared standards, and a commitment to human dignity.
To keep the highlights clear and accessible, we leave them in bullet points — capturing the key themes and voices as they emerge.
Global digital governance and cooperation
- There is a need for global standards for transparency, and accountability mechanisms to address abuses associated with digital technologies; these should be as dynamic as the technologies themselves. (European Union)
- Technological breakthroughs, including artificial intelligence, must foster peace, development, and human dignity. (Haiti)
Artificial intelligence
Responsible AI (governance)
- A human-centred approach to AI is favoured – one based on fundamental values, democracy, and the rule of law. With the EU having adopted a regulatory framework for responsible AI, it calls for an equivalent level of ambition in the international domain. (European Union)
- Rapid technological change, especially the rise of artificial intelligence, must be harnessed in a safe, responsible, and inclusive manner. (Montenegro)
- AI is developing with lightning speed and largely unchecked, posing obvious risks to the social fabric without any agreement on rules and boundaries. (Liechtenstein)
- Global/international cooperation is needed to set AI on the right course (United Kingdom), and ensure AI systems remain safe, secure, and trustworthy. (Micronesia)
- A move towards multilateral and ethical governance of AI is necessary to guarantee inclusive access and ensure its use is guided by the common good. (Ecuador)
- The global community must support innovation in emerging technologies like AI while addressing the associated risks. (Sweden)
- AI brings enormous opportunities but also incalculable risks for civilisation, and it should be made a priority of UNGA’s 80th session. (North Macedonia)
- Concern is expressed about the misuse of AI by capitalism, which could accelerate climate change and liquidate the planet. (Bolivia)
- The internet, social media platforms, and artificial intelligence reinforce isolation by using algorithms that ensure people receive more of the same content rather than new ideas. (Ghana)
AI for development and growth
- We must change with the times and take advantage of today’s opportunities such as using AI and other technologies. (Netherlands)
- AI is the most powerful new lever to advance the UN charter’s vision of social progress and better standards of life. It needs to be forged as a force for freedom, prosperity, and human dignity. (United Kingdom)
- AI should be championed as a bridge-builder across continents to share its extraordinary potential. (United Kingdom)
- AI for development is championed through partnerships with African nations to create AI ecosystems that empower communities to meet the sustainable development goals. (United Kingdom)
Digital tech, security, and peace
Cybersecurity
- Cyber threats are among the major challenges of our time. People trust the UN to tackle such challenges, but often the responses provided have fallen short. (Equatorial Guinea)
- Micronesia is committed to developing national strategies and policies to safeguard digital data and mitigate the risk of malicious attacks. (Micronesia)
- Artificial intelligence is being used to consolidate repression and empower criminals across the internet. (United Kingdom)
International peace and security
- New technologies are being utilised to disrupt communications and guidance systems. (Yemen)
- Wars are now multidimensional, including media, information, and cyberwarfare, war from space, and the use of other technologies that are developed without impunity. (Bolivia)
- AI, social media, and the internet, including the dark web, carry a potential threat to global peace and security. (Ghana)
- A call is made for enhanced global cooperation to address the root causes of conflict, including new technologies. (Uganda)
- The inclusive and constructive dialogue that shaped the first UNGA resolution on AI should serve as a model for discussions on AI, peace, and security, and on the responsible use of AI in the military domain. (Micronesia)
- International humanitarian law must be upheld, and weapons which “kill randomly” must be banned. (Austria)
Human rights in the digital space
- The values of freedom, democracy, and human rights are threatened by the abuse of digital technologies. (European Union)
- Emerging technologies, particularly AI, pose significant risks to human rights, requiring a move toward multilateral and ethical governance. (Ecuador)
Disinformation and misinformation
- The rise of disinformation is among the challenges our world is confronted with. (Haiti, Montenegro). Technology makes it easier to disseminate disinformation and sow seeds of division. (Ghana)
- The values of freedom, democracy, and human rights are threatened by disinformation. (European Union)
- Authoritarian states are manipulating large language models so that chatbots answer in the voice of their propaganda. (United Kingdom)
Digital technologies for development
Digital inclusion and access
- Access to technologies, especially in the digital and artificial intelligence era, is a decisive factor for promoting sustainable development. (Cameroon)
- Technologies of the future should be embraced as an opportunity for growth, innovation, and a sustainable future. (Norway)
- Digital access programmes seek to narrow the technological divide for millions. (United Kingdom)
- A move towards multilateral and ethical governance of AI is necessary to avoid new digital gaps. (Ecuador)
- The national growth and development plan focuses on developing the digital sector and enhancing youth employment. (Gabon)
- Digital transformation is a catalyst for sustainable development. Partnerships with developed countries in advancing technology are welcomed. (Eswatini) Global partners are invited to invest in technology. (Botswana)
- There is a desire for a modern state able to invest in people, development, technology, and education. (State of Palestine)
- Existing inequalities mean that only some are at the frontier of digital technologies. (Dominica) There are widening technological inequalities and unequal access to technology. (Rwanda)
Digital public infrastructure and services
- There is potential for cooperation in digital connectivity, with Azerbaijan leading initiatives like the Digital Silk Way, which includes plans for an advanced fibre optic cable network under the Caspian Sea. (Azerbaijan)
- Uganda is deploying digital health solutions to improve service delivery and accountability. (Uganda)
Technology transfers
- A lack of technological transfer is a major challenge. (Equatorial Guinea)
- Technology transfers are advocated for. (Ecuador)
- Support is required in technology transfer to address the intertwined challenges of development and environmental stability. (South Sudan)
- No state should be locked out of opportunities for growth, finance, and technology due to geographical circumstances. (Ethiopia)
- A call for increased long-term concessional financing, technology transfer, and fairer trade terms is made to support domestic development efforts. (Tanzania)
- A call is made for fairer global governance, including equal access to financing for green technologies. (Chad)
For other topics discussed, head over to our dedicated UNGA80 page, where you can explore more insights from the General Debate.
The General Debate at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly brings together high-level representatives from across the globe to discuss the most pressing issues of our time. The session took place against the backdrop of the UN’s 80th anniversary, serving as a moment for both reflection and a forward-looking assessment of the organisation’s role and relevance.