Oxfam International has called for effective and enforceable global governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) ahead of AI-focused meetings at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The organization warns that a handful of players continue to amass power while marginalized communities pay the price. Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar emphasized that warnings from AI leaders and whistleblowers must be taken seriously.
According to Behar, a tiny number of companies and countries currently control almost all of the data, infrastructure, and expertise that underpin AI. This has resulted in a widening inequality gap in terms of who has control, who has access, who benefits, and who is forced to live with the negative impacts of AI data centers in their communities. Oxfam is concerned that the most marginalized communities are being left behind and are paying the price as AI's influence and impact grow.
Oxfam is urging the UN to open the conversation on AI beyond powerful governments and tech CEOs. The organization believes that civil society, workers, and affected communities and countries of all sizes and influence must have seats at the table. Behar stressed that the conversation must be inclusive and easily understandable to ensure that everyone can contribute to the discussion.
The organization emphasizes that governance must be effective, enforceable, and uphold individual and collective human rights. Oxfam also believes that the conversation must go beyond discussion to action that confronts unequal power in the AI industry. Behar noted that AI holds tremendous potential to help solve some of humanity's most existential collective challenges if designed, deployed, and controlled responsibly.
However, without regulation and accountability, AI will only exacerbate the current crises of widening inequality, multiplying extreme climate events, and erosion of human rights. Behar warned that there is no time to waste, as AI is advancing exponentially, and collective action must be taken before it is too late. The UN Security Council is expected to hold a special session on AI during UNGA81 High-Level Week.
The lack of industry controls and global guardrails has raised concerns among experts and stakeholders. Oxfam's call for UN-led AI regulation aims to address these concerns and ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably among all. The organization believes that the UN must play a central role in deciding a collective way forward on AI.
Oxfam's statement on 'Digital@UNGA 2026' and other AI meetings at UNGA81 highlights the need for collective action on AI regulation. The organization's efforts aim to ensure that the conversation on AI is inclusive, and that the stakes are acknowledged.
Key points
- Oxfam calls for effective and enforceable global governance of AI.
- A handful of players control almost all AI data, infrastructure, and expertise.
- UN-led AI regulation is necessary to address growing inequality.
