UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned that increasingly powerful artificial intelligence could eventually pose an existential risk to humanity, while urging governments and technology companies to strengthen safeguards around rapidly advancing AI systems.
Addressing the opening of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council on 7 September, Türk said AI presents major opportunities but also potentially profound risks to human rights and human security.
He called for stronger international cooperation and human-rights protections as governments and companies develop increasingly capable AI technologies.
The warning places AI governance among the major issues before the Human Rights Council during its session running from 7 September to 7 October 2026.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on publicly available information and official UN sources. HRNW is an independent news platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United Nations.
