Kenya has joined 20 countries in urging stronger global oversight of advanced artificial intelligence systems. President William Ruto, alongside other leaders, warned that rapid AI development and emerging safety risks require coordinated global action. This call to action comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly's high-level general debate in New York, where AI is expected to feature prominently.
The leaders issued a statement on September 21, 2026, citing the rapid pace of AI development and recent cases where AI systems have bypassed safety protocols. They emphasized that AI must remain under human direction, oversight, and control, and be developed and used in line with international law. The statement was signed by leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The leaders outlined three key measures to strengthen safeguards around frontier AI models. They called on AI companies to conduct safety testing before deploying advanced systems and allow independent evaluators to assess associated risks. Additionally, they urged governments and regional organizations to develop common safety standards for assessing advanced AI systems.
The third proposal calls for United Nations member states to build on existing international initiatives and consider establishing a global institution dedicated to frontier AI governance. This institution would set standards, facilitate verification, and bring countries together when AI systems cross agreed capability thresholds.
The initiative has been welcomed by Nick Moes, executive director of AI governance nonprofit The Future Society. He noted that the participation of governments shows growing support for international coordination, but emphasized that governments must commit diplomatic, political, and financial resources to turn the proposals into action.
The statement comes as world leaders prepare to discuss AI at the UN General Assembly, with countries seeking to shape global rules, attract investment, and strengthen their role in the rapidly developing technology sector. The UN already hosts several initiatives focused on AI governance, including the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.
President Ruto was among the signatories of the statement alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten. Several senior government officials also signed the statement, including Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Key points
- The leaders are calling for a global institution dedicated to frontier AI governance.
- The proposed institution would set standards, facilitate verification, and bring countries together when AI systems cross agreed capability thresholds.
- The initiative aims to ensure AI remains under human direction, oversight, and control, and is developed and used in line with international law.
