At the 2026 United Nations General Assembly, several non-Western governments presented distinct approaches to AI governance, stressing the need for global cooperation, capacity building, and inclusive policies that prevent AI from deepening existing inequalities.
- Calls for a UN International Convention on AI to create a common legal framework.
- Concerns about AI development pace translating into new forms of technological gatekeeping.
- Emphasis on bridging the digital and AI divides through inclusive global collaboration.
What happened
During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, various governments from outside Western AI powers and China articulated their perspectives on AI governance. Leaders from countries including Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, African nations, Argentina, and India stressed the importance of shaping AI rules internationally and ensuring safe and equitable access.
Key proposals included calls for accelerated adoption of an international legal framework on AI, the creation of platforms like the proposed Global AI Hub by South Korea, and Japan’s Hiroshima AI Process aimed at developing international principles for generative AI. Several countries also linked AI governance to strategic issues such as critical minerals and technology transfer.
Why it matters
These statements reveal a significant divergence from Western debates, which often focus more on regulation and slowing AI development. Non-Western countries prioritize access, capacity building, and preventing AI from reinforcing existing geopolitical and technological inequalities. They warn against the risk of 'gatekeeping' where a limited number of countries or corporations control frontier AI capabilities.
The global AI conversation is thus expanding beyond traditional powers to include voices emphasizing developmental equity and infrastructure readiness. This inclusive approach recognizes AI's impact across healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance, particularly in regions still working to close digital divides.
What to watch next
Stakeholders should monitor developments around the proposed UN International Convention on Artificial Intelligence, which could shape an international legal basis for AI governance. Attention is also warranted for South Korea’s announced Global AI Hub initiative and Japan’s planned AI Summit, both instrumental in fostering global collaboration.
Additionally, the progress of African nations in positioning themselves within AI governance frameworks, particularly relating to critical minerals and beneficiation, will be critical. The extent to which developing countries secure technology transfers and capacity-building funding will significantly influence the global balance of AI benefits and risks.