Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is set to address the UN Security Council on September 23, 2026, at a meeting focused on artificial intelligence and international security. The meeting, convened by France, which holds the presidency of the Security Council for September, will discuss coordination, safety standards, malicious uses of AI, and risks associated with advanced systems. This event marks a significant shift in how AI-related risks are perceived, moving from technical and regulatory issues to concerns about global security.
The participation of Sam Altman and potentially Anthropic in the meeting highlights the role of companies in AI development and governance. While companies like OpenAI possess technical expertise and develop advanced AI models, their mastery does not automatically grant them the legitimacy to define the rules they should follow. On the other hand, states have regulatory power but often focus on national or regional policies, which may not be sufficient for globally diffused technologies.
The UN Security Council, comprising 15 members, has previously addressed AI-related issues, with a notable debate in 2023. The upcoming meeting will be chaired by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. According to reports from Reuters, discussions will center on international coordination, security standards, and the risks of losing control over advanced systems. This gathering signals a growing recognition of AI's impact on global security.
A critical question emerging from these discussions is who should legitimately set global AI rules. The answer involves a complex interplay between companies, states, and international organizations like the UN. Each entity has unique strengths but also limitations. Companies have technical expertise, states have regulatory power, and the UN can facilitate international cooperation. However, no single entity possesses all the necessary levers for comprehensive global governance of AI.
The true challenge lies not in choosing between states, companies, and the UN, but in organizing their respective responsibilities, including defining norms, monitoring their implementation, and establishing accountability mechanisms. The outcome of the September 23 meeting, and the ability of participants to translate shared concerns about AI risks into actionable cooperation, will be closely watched.
The involvement of various stakeholders, including potentially Anthropic, adds complexity to the discussions. While their participation could enrich the dialogue, it also underscores the need for clear coordination and leadership in addressing AI's global implications. The meeting's conclusions are yet to be determined, but its impact on future AI governance could be significant.
As the world grapples with the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, international cooperation and effective governance are increasingly seen as essential. The UN Security Council meeting on September 23 represents a step towards addressing these issues at a global level, with implications for how AI is developed, used, and regulated worldwide.
Key points
- The UN Security Council meeting on September 23, 2026, will address global AI governance.
- Sam Altman of OpenAI will participate in the discussion.
- The meeting highlights the need for international cooperation on AI regulation.
