Canada, together with 19 other countries including the United States, issued a joint statement at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, 2026, urging the UN to adopt stronger oversight mechanisms for artificial intelligence. The declaration was presented during the annual session of the General Assembly, a forum where member states regularly discuss global policy challenges.
The joint statement called for the development of more robust governance frameworks to manage emerging AI technologies. It emphasized the need for international cooperation to ensure that AI systems are deployed safely, transparently, and in ways that respect fundamental rights. The participating nations highlighted that existing regulatory approaches are insufficient to address the rapid pace of AI advancement.
During the same session, renowned AI researcher Yoshua Bengio addressed the UN council, reinforcing the call for heightened oversight. Bengio, a prominent figure in artificial intelligence research, underscored the potential risks associated with unchecked AI development and advocated for coordinated policy action at the global level.
The announcement came as delegates debated the broader governance of emerging AI technologies, reflecting growing concern among member states about the societal impact of AI. By presenting a unified stance, the coalition of 20 countries aimed to shape the UN’s agenda on AI oversight and encourage the adoption of comprehensive regulatory measures.