UN Resolutions, Reports and Guidelines
Last updated, 02/03/2026
The General Assembly’s resolutions are considered recommendations to member states and have no legal force. Nonetheless, these resolutions reflect world opinion and carry the authority of the global community, even if they are not legally binding. The content of these resolutions will no doubt guide the regulatory development of AI technologies on the national and international level in the years to come.
Resolution 79/239
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 79/239 (adopted in 2024) addresses the growing global importance of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), emphasising the need for international co-operation and governance frameworks.
The resolution recognises AI’s transformative potential for sustainable development, economic growth and innovation, while also acknowledging its risks, including bias, misinformation, privacy violations and threats to human rights. It underlines that AI systems must be designed, developed and deployed in ways that are human-centred, ethical and consistent with international law.
A central theme is the promotion of inclusive access to AI technologies. The resolution highlights the risk of a widening digital divide, whereby developing countries may be left behind. It calls for capacity-building initiatives, technology transfer and equitable access to data and infrastructure to ensure that all nations can benefit from AI advancements.
The resolution also stresses the importance of transparency, accountability and safety in AI systems. It encourages governments, private sector actors and researchers to adopt safeguards such as risk assessments, impact evaluations and mechanisms to address harmful outcomes. Particular attention is given to protecting vulnerable groups and preventing discrimination.
International collaboration is strongly emphasised. The resolution invites Member States, international organisations and stakeholders to share best practice, develop common standards and support multilateral dialogue on AI governance. It positions the United Nations as a key platform for co-ordinating global efforts.
From a legal perspective, the resolution is not legally binding, as it is adopted by the United Nations General Assembly rather than creating treaty obligations. By contrast, resolutions of the United Nations Security Council are generally considered legally binding on Member States, whereas General Assembly resolutions are typically non-binding recommendations. Nonetheless, Resolution 79/239 carries significant normative weight and may influence the development of customary international law and domestic regulation. By reaffirming the applicability of existing international legal frameworks—particularly human rights law—it signals that states remain accountable for AI-related harms within their jurisdictions. The resolution may also guide legislators, courts and regulators in shaping national AI policies, standards and liability regimes, contributing to a gradual harmonisation of legal approaches across jurisdictions.
Finally, the resolution calls for ongoing monitoring and dialogue to keep pace with rapid technological developments. It encourages further discussion within the United Nations General Assembly and related bodies to refine governance approaches and ensure AI contributes positively to humanity.
Overall, Resolution 79/239 reflects a global consensus on balancing innovation with responsibility in the age of AI.
Resolution 78/241
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 78/241 (adopted in 2023) addresses the promotion of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), marking one of the first comprehensive global efforts to establish shared principles for AI governance. It emphasises the importance of international co-operation in ensuring that AI technologies are developed and used in ways that benefit humanity while minimising potential harms.
The resolution recognises the significant opportunities AI presents for accelerating sustainable development, improving public services and fostering innovation across sectors. At the same time, it acknowledges serious risks, including algorithmic bias, misinformation, threats to privacy and potential misuse in ways that undermine human rights and democratic processes. It stresses that AI systems should be human-centred, transparent and aligned with existing international legal obligations.
A key focus of the resolution is inclusivity. It highlights the need to bridge the digital divide by supporting developing countries through capacity-building, knowledge-sharing and improved access to technological infrastructure. The aim is to ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed equitably and do not exacerbate existing global inequalities.
The resolution also calls for stronger governance mechanisms. It encourages Member States, industry and academia to adopt risk-based approaches, enhance transparency and implement safeguards such as auditing and impact assessments. Particular emphasis is placed on protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring accountability in AI deployment.
International collaboration is central to the resolution. It invites Member States and stakeholders to exchange best practice, develop interoperable standards and engage in ongoing multilateral dialogue. It reinforces the role of the United Nations as a forum for co-ordinating global AI governance efforts.
From a legal perspective, the resolution is not legally binding, as it is adopted by the United Nations General Assembly rather than establishing enforceable obligations. By contrast, resolutions of the United Nations Security Council are generally binding on Member States, whereas General Assembly resolutions are typically recommendatory in nature. Nevertheless, Resolution 78/241 carries considerable normative influence and may shape the evolution of customary international law and domestic regulatory frameworks. It also reaffirms that existing international law, particularly human rights law, applies to the development and use of AI technologies.
Finally, the resolution encourages continued dialogue and review to keep pace with rapid technological change. It calls on the United Nations General Assembly and other relevant bodies to remain actively engaged in refining governance approaches and promoting responsible AI.
Overall, Resolution 78/241 represents an important step towards a shared global understanding of how to balance innovation with ethical responsibility in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence.
Resolution A/78/L.49
United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/78/L.49 (adopted in 2024), widely known as the first global resolution on artificial intelligence, focuses on promoting safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems while placing strong emphasis on human rights and sustainable development.
The resolution recognises the transformative potential of AI to advance innovation, productivity and global well-being, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education and climate action. At the same time, it acknowledges significant risks, including the misuse of AI, the spread of misinformation, algorithmic bias and threats to privacy and fundamental freedoms. It stresses that AI development and deployment must remain human-centred and aligned with international law, especially international human rights law.
A key feature of the resolution is its strong human rights orientation. It calls on Member States to refrain from or cease the use of AI systems that are inconsistent with international human rights obligations. It also emphasises the need to protect freedoms of expression, privacy and non-discrimination, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups.
The resolution highlights the importance of bridging the digital divide. It urges greater international co-operation to ensure that developing countries have equitable access to AI technologies, infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives. This includes support for data governance, technical expertise and inclusive participation in global AI discussions.
International collaboration is a central pillar. The resolution encourages governments, the private sector, academia and civil society to work together in developing voluntary guidelines, standards and best practices for AI governance. It positions the United Nations as a key forum for fostering inclusive and co-ordinated global dialogue on AI.
From a legal perspective, the resolution is not legally binding, as it is adopted by the United Nations General Assembly rather than creating treaty obligations. By contrast, resolutions of the United Nations Security Council are generally considered legally binding on Member States, whereas General Assembly resolutions are typically non-binding recommendations. Nevertheless, A/78/L.49 carries considerable normative authority and may shape the evolution of both domestic regulation and international norms. By reaffirming the applicability of existing legal frameworks, particularly human rights law, it signals that states remain responsible for ensuring that AI systems operate within established legal boundaries.
Finally, the resolution calls for continued dialogue and monitoring to keep pace with rapid technological change. It encourages further engagement within the United Nations General Assembly and across the UN system to refine governance approaches and ensure that AI technologies are developed and used for the benefit of all.
Overall, Resolution A/78/L.49 represents a landmark step towards a globally shared approach to governing artificial intelligence, balancing innovation with ethical responsibility and respect for human rights.
Report A/80/78
United Nations Report A/80/78 addresses the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) governance, providing an analytical overview of global developments, risks and policy responses. Prepared for consideration within the United Nations General Assembly, the report focuses on how AI is reshaping economic, social and political systems, while highlighting the need for coherent international approaches.
The report recognises the significant opportunities presented by AI, including enhanced productivity, innovation and contributions to sustainable development. At the same time, it identifies key challenges such as algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, data governance concerns and the potential misuse of AI technologies in areas such as surveillance and misinformation. It emphasises that without appropriate safeguards, AI could exacerbate existing inequalities both within and between countries.
A key priority outlined in the report is bridging the global digital divide. It notes that many developing countries face structural barriers to AI adoption, including limited infrastructure, skills gaps and restricted access to data. The report calls for strengthened international co-operation, investment in digital capacity-building and more inclusive participation in global AI governance processes to ensure equitable benefits.
The report also highlights emerging regulatory and policy trends at national and regional levels. It observes increasing efforts to establish ethical guidelines, risk-based regulatory frameworks and standards for trustworthy AI. In this context, it underscores the importance of interoperability and alignment between different regulatory approaches to avoid fragmentation.
International collaboration is a central theme throughout the report. It encourages Member States, international organisations, the private sector and civil society to share best practice, develop common principles and engage in ongoing multilateral dialogue. The United Nations is presented as a key forum for facilitating such co-ordination and supporting inclusive governance frameworks.
From a legal perspective, Report A/80/78 is not a binding instrument but an advisory and analytical document submitted to the United Nations General Assembly. Unlike resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, which are generally legally binding, reports of this nature do not create legal obligations. However, they can exert considerable influence by shaping policy debates, informing legislative and regulatory initiatives, and contributing to the development of soft law norms. The report reinforces the applicability of existing international legal frameworks, particularly human rights law, in the context of AI governance.
Finally, the report calls for continued monitoring of technological developments and sustained dialogue among stakeholders. It recommends further work within the United Nations General Assembly and related bodies to refine governance approaches and respond effectively to the rapid evolution of AI technologies.
Overall, Report A/80/78 provides a comprehensive assessment of AI governance challenges and opportunities, supporting a balanced approach that promotes innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights and global equity.
Resolution A/78/241
United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/78/241 (adopted in 2023) addresses the promotion of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting both its transformative potential and the need for responsible governance at the global level.
The resolution recognises that AI technologies can significantly contribute to sustainable development, economic progress and scientific innovation. At the same time, it acknowledges associated risks, including algorithmic bias, misinformation, threats to privacy and potential infringements of human rights. It stresses that AI systems should be human-centred, transparent and aligned with international legal and ethical standards.
A key focus of the resolution is inclusivity and equitable access. It warns against the deepening of the global digital divide and calls for enhanced support to developing countries through capacity-building, knowledge-sharing and improved access to data, infrastructure and technical expertise. The aim is to ensure that the benefits of AI are distributed fairly across all regions.
The resolution further emphasises the importance of accountability, safety and oversight in AI development and deployment. It encourages states, industry and researchers to implement appropriate safeguards, including risk assessments, auditing mechanisms and governance frameworks that mitigate harm and protect vulnerable populations.
International co-operation is a central pillar. The resolution invites Member States and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, exchange best practices and work towards interoperable standards and norms. It identifies the United Nations as a key forum for facilitating dialogue and co-ordinating global AI governance efforts.
From a legal perspective, the resolution is not legally binding, as it is adopted by the United Nations General Assembly rather than establishing treaty obligations. By contrast, resolutions of the United Nations Security Council are generally considered legally binding on Member States, whereas General Assembly resolutions are typically non-binding recommendations. Nevertheless, A/78/241 carries important normative value and may influence the evolution of customary international law and domestic regulatory approaches. By reaffirming existing international legal frameworks, particularly in relation to human rights, it underscores that states retain responsibility for the impacts of AI within their jurisdictions. It may also inform legislative and policy developments, contributing to greater convergence in AI governance globally.
Finally, the resolution calls for continued dialogue and monitoring to keep pace with rapid technological change. It encourages further consideration of AI governance within the United Nations General Assembly and associated bodies to ensure that AI development remains beneficial, inclusive and consistent with shared global values.
Overall, Resolution A/78/241 reflects an emerging international consensus on fostering innovation in AI while ensuring appropriate safeguards and accountability.