In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, a race is on—not just for technological dominance but for establishing a global governance framework to ensure its ethical, safe, and transparent development. With advancements outpacing regulation, the international community has reached a critical juncture in September 2025. This month has seen key developments, from the UN’s institutional moves to national policy rollouts and industry-led initiatives, highlighting both the urgent need for a unified approach and the deep geopolitical fissures that threaten to undermine it.
The AI Governance Imperative: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility
The urgency surrounding AI governance is fueled by a sobering reality: AI’s profound impact is now undeniable. It offers unprecedented potential for human advancement—from personalized healthcare and enhanced agricultural output to groundbreaking scientific discoveries. However, it also introduces systemic risks, including algorithmic bias, mass surveillance, and the potential for autonomous weapons. The proliferation of deepfakes and the rise of autonomous “Agentic AI” systems further amplify these concerns, demonstrating how AI can be misused to destabilize societies and compromise national security. Tech leaders and policymakers are increasingly recognizing that the complexities of AI development cannot be managed by any single nation or corporation alone.
The United Nations Takes a Stand
At the multilateral level, the United Nations has emerged as a key forum for orchestrating a global response. Following broad stakeholder consultations and intensive negotiations, the UN General Assembly established two new mechanisms in late August 2025: the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
- Scientific Assessment: The 40-member scientific panel, appointed by the UN Secretary-General for a three-year term, is tasked with providing evidence-based, independent assessments of AI’s opportunities and risks.
- Policy Dialogue: It will present its findings at the annual Global Dialogue, providing a crucial bridge between scientific research and global policymaking. The first formal session of this dialogue is scheduled for 2026, with a launch event taking place during the UN General Assembly session this September.
India’s Proactive Stance on AI Regulation
Amid the global jostling, India is seeking to establish itself as a leader in responsible AI governance. On September 19, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that India would release its national AI governance framework by September 28. This framework is designed to safeguard citizens from AI-related harm while avoiding prescriptive, innovation-stifling regulation. It will set “safety boundaries” and outline necessary checks and balances, with the potential for certain safeguards to be codified into law over time. India has also taken an active role in international AI discussions, hosting the GPAI summit in 2023 and planning to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, which aims to foster broader international collaboration.
Overcoming Geopolitical Fragmentation
However, the path toward a consensus-based global framework is fraught with challenges. Geopolitical rivalries are increasingly playing out in the technological sphere, with major powers competing for influence and control over AI development. The stark divergence between the European Union’s human-centric, highly-regulated approach and the United States’ more innovation-focused, fragmented model creates inconsistencies that complicate international efforts. The situation is further complicated by state-led AI models in countries like China, which integrate AI with surveillance and military capabilities, and by the strategic positioning of emerging economies.
The OECD’s Role in Building Trust
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is another critical player in this landscape, providing benchmarks for its member nations. In mid-September, the OECD launched its latest report, “Governing with Artificial Intelligence: The State of Play and Way Forward in Core Government Functions”. The report analyzed over 200 government AI use cases, highlighting both the potential for public service improvement and the inherent risks related to privacy, algorithmic bias, and accountability. The OECD’s emphasis on building a trustworthy AI framework through transparency, explainability, and accountability reinforces the principles espoused by the UN and other multilateral bodies.
The Path Forward: Multi-stakeholder Collaboration
A common thread emerging from these various initiatives is the recognition that effective AI governance requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Policymakers, tech companies, academia, and civil society organizations must all collaborate to set norms, policies, and safeguards. This inclusivity is vital for ensuring that diverse perspectives, including those from marginalized communities and developing nations, are incorporated into the framework.
Despite the flurry of activity, significant hurdles remain. A lack of consensus on the very definition of AI, the “pacing problem” where technology outstrips regulatory capacity, and the complex overlap with existing laws present ongoing challenges. However, the institutional foundations being laid this month, particularly by the UN and India, signal a global shift from reactive alarm to proactive, collaborative action. The success of these frameworks will depend on the ability of nations to overcome geopolitical tensions and prioritize the collective well-being of a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
