In a historic breakthrough, the United Nations has unanimously adopted two new global institutions to govern Artificial Intelligence (AI), with Kenya’s leadership emerging as a defining force that highlights the Global South’s transition from bystander to key architect in the AI revolution.
All 193 UN Member States came together in a rare show of unity to establish the Independent Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. In the main, the two institutions aim to provide science-based guidance and foster inclusive international cooperation on AI, addressing the urgent need for governance amid growing geopolitical tensions.
“The Independent Scientific Panel on AI will deliver evidence-based assessments of AI’s opportunities, risks, and impacts, while the Global Dialogue on AI Governance will provide a crucial platform for international cooperation,” noted Tony Oweke, Kenya’s economic and lead negotiator, before adding that “its establishment by consensus underscores the vital importance of AI governance, despite the challenging geopolitical and funding landscape at the United Nations.”
This landmark decision builds on momentum from March 2024, when the UN General Assembly unanimously passed its first-ever resolution on AI, co-sponsored by Kenya. The resolution, titled “Seizing the Opportunities of Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Systems for Sustainable Development” (A/RES/78/266), emphasized safe AI development, data protection, human rights, and bridging digital divides, as well as advancing provisions vital to the Global South, including technology transfer, capacity-building, and respect for linguistic, cultural, gender, disability, and racial diversity.
“In a room of divergent interests, Kenya’s bridge-building helped turn division into consensus. This was only possible thanks to fellow ambassadors who unlocked stalemates and the trust the G77 placed in us. It shows what multilateralism can achieve when given a chance.” Amb. Ekitela Lokaale, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN
Two Pillars of Global AI Governance
The newly established Independent Scientific Panel on AI, modeled after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will synthesize global evidence on AI’s risks, opportunities, and societal impacts to guide governments and international bodies. Complementing this, the Global Dialogue on AI Governance will bring together states, big tech, academia, civil society, and the UN system to deliberate shared principles, build trust, and reduce fragmentation in AI governance.
“These two institutions are designed to be mutually reinforcing: science guiding dialogue, and dialogue amplifying evidence into cooperation,” said Tony Oweke, Kenya’s Economic Advisor. “This has been an incredibly enriching experience, engaging with big tech, academia, civil society, and the UN system, while working shoulder-to-shoulder with esteemed colleagues from across the world.”
A Victory for Multilateralism
The decision comes at a moment when competition over AI dominance is straining relations among major powers, and trust in multilateralism has waned. That the UN achieved a full consensus of 193 states is being hailed as a breakthrough.
Principal Secretary, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei notes this outcome is not only about AI governance but also a victory for multilateralism itself — and a reaffirmation of the centrality of the United Nations in global governance. It also reflects President William Ruto’s decisive leadership in setting Kenya’s diplomatic priorities, positioning the country as a bridge-builder in international negotiations and reinforcing his support for a stronger, more effective UN.
Kenya’s Bridge-Building Diplomacy
Representing the G77 and China, the world’s largest negotiating bloc of 134 developing countries, Kenya’s Permanent Mission in New York was instrumental in brokering the final consensus. For Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology and member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI, the outcome represents both a technical and political victory.
“Kenya has proven that even in a divided world, through dialogue and collaboration, we can shape AI for the common good, guided by science, grounded in cooperation, and inclusive of all nations, with the Global South as a key architect, not a spectator,” he said.
He added, “I am grateful for the UN Secretary-General’s vision in appointing the Advisory Body that dared to imagine AI governance for humanity, ensuring that the Global South is not a spectator in the AI revolution, but a key architect of its governance.”
Analysts view this development as more than institutional progress but also a signal that AI governance must be global, inclusive, and science-based. For Kenya, it marks another milestone in its evolution as a thought leader in technology diplomacy.
Kenya’s pivotal role in this landmark UN decision cements its position at the forefront of shaping the future of AI governance, championing inclusive, science-driven, and cooperative approaches that reflect the interests and voices of the Global South.
