As artificial intelligence continues to expand at an unprecedented pace, global discussions around its regulation are gaining urgency.
Geoffrey Hinton, an AI pioneer and Nobel laureate often called the ‘godfather of AI’, has raised concerns that current AI systems are advancing without sufficient safeguards. Speaking at a United Nations-supported conference, he warned that the lack of effective control mechanisms could expose societies to serious systemic risks.
At the same time, the scale of AI growth is accelerating. Estimates from UNCTAD suggest the global AI market could grow from $189 billion in 2023 to $4.8 trillion by 2033. However, the ability to develop and govern AI remains concentrated among a small group of countries and large corporations, creating global imbalances.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, highlighted the widening gap between nations. She warned, “Left unaddressed, this is a second great divergence – widening the gap between countries shaping artificial intelligence and those merely consuming it”. Limited infrastructure, investment, and technical expertise continue to slow adoption in developing regions.
Global efforts are now underway to create a more unified governance framework based on scientific research and international cooperation. Meanwhile, Maria Ressa, journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, cautioned that advanced AI systems could enable “narrative warfare“, increasing risks of disinformation and weakening institutions.
Findings from the UN’s scientific panel are expected to guide upcoming global policy discussions focused on transparency, accountability, and rights-based AI governance.
The issue holds significant global importance. The speed and concentration of AI development are already influencing economic power, information systems, and institutional stability. Without coordinated regulation, the gap between developed and developing nations may widen further. At the same time, misuse of AI could undermine trust in democratic systems through disinformation and unclear decision-making processes.
As AI becomes deeply integrated into sectors like jobs, education, and public services, the absence of shared global standards is increasing uncertainty for governments, businesses, and citizens alike.
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