September 23, 2026, (Inside AI) — The United Nations Security Council will convene a high-level session on artificial intelligence today, with several AI industry leaders scheduled to brief ambassadors on the technology's global security implications. The meeting coincides with the General Assembly's annual general debate, where the wars in Ukraine and Iran are expected to dominate discussions.
The AI briefing, confirmed by diplomatic sources, marks the second time the Security Council has formally addressed AI risks. The first took place in July 2023, when Secretary-General António Guterres warned that generative AI could threaten global peace. Since then, the technology has advanced rapidly, prompting calls for stronger international oversight.
Today's session will feature presentations from unnamed executives at leading AI firms. According to a UN spokesperson, the briefers will focus on frontier model capabilities, autonomous weapons, and the potential for AI to be used in disinformation campaigns. The council is expected to discuss a draft resolution on AI governance, though no vote is scheduled.
The meeting comes as the UN grapples with its own AI governance efforts. In 2024, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on AI safety, and a high-level advisory body has recommended creating an international AI agency. However, major powers remain divided on binding rules. The United States and China have both invested heavily in military AI, while the European Union has pursued strict regulation through its AI Act.
Ukraine and Iran will also be in focus at the General Assembly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to address the assembly today, seeking continued support for his country's defense against Russia. Meanwhile, Iran's nuclear program and its support for militant groups will be discussed in side meetings. The Security Council may hold a separate session on Ukraine later this week.
The AI briefing is seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between technological innovation and international security. "AI is moving faster than our ability to govern it," said a senior UN official who spoke on condition of anonymity. "The Security Council must find a way to manage these risks without stifling progress."
Industry leaders have mixed views on the UN's role. Some argue that voluntary commitments are sufficient, while others call for a global watchdog. In a recent open letter, over 100 AI researchers urged the UN to ban autonomous lethal weapons by 2027. The United States, Russia, and China have not supported such a ban.
The Security Council briefing will be streamed live on UN Web TV. It is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Inside AI could not independently verify the names of the AI executives who will speak.
As the General Assembly continues, the intersection of AI and global conflict will remain a central theme. The outcomes of today's discussions could shape future international AI policy. For now, the world watches as diplomats and technologists attempt to find common ground.
