As artificial intelligence continues to evolve rapidly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a global governance framework to ensure the technology benefits humanity. Speaking ahead of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, he warned that AI is advancing without adequate planning or public consent.
Guterres said AI systems are no longer just tools that follow instructions. They are now writing code, operating online and making decisions with less human oversight. He stressed that existing institutions were designed for traditional machines, not AI systems capable of making independent choices.
“The question is whether we will shape this transformation together, or let it shape us,” he said, highlighting both the opportunities and risks associated with AI.
While recognising AI’s potential to improve healthcare, education and global development, Guterres warned that technological progress is moving faster than the safeguards needed to manage it. He also expressed concern about the growing dependence on AI and the spread of misinformation, cautioning against what he described as “vibe-coding”.
“But we cannot vibe-code the truth. We cannot vibe-code the future of humanity,” he said.
Vibe coding refers to a software development approach where users describe tasks in natural language and AI generates applications based on those instructions.
The UN chief also warned that AI development is becoming concentrated among a small number of companies and countries, leaving many nations without a meaningful role in shaping its future.
Guterres called for global standards to assess AI risks, stronger protections for children and support for a proposed AI Child Safety Pledge to ensure AI systems used by minors remain safe.
On military applications, he delivered his strongest warning, describing autonomous weapons as “Killer robots” capable of selecting targets and taking lives without human judgement or control. He said such systems “must be banned by international law.”
“The door is still open. It will not stay open long,” Guterres warned, urging governments to establish international AI regulations before the technology moves beyond human control.
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