In this edition of the UNU-CPR Conversation Series, UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala speaks with Her Excellency Egriselda López of El Salvador and His Excellency Rein Tammsaar of Estonia, co-chairs of the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance. The discussion reflects on the establishment of the Dialogue under the Global Digital Compact and its positioning within the Pact for the Future.
The conversation takes place against the backdrop of rapid advances in artificial intelligence. It considers the rationale for creating a universal forum at the level of the General Assembly on AI governance and previews the objectives of the inaugural meeting in Geneva on 6-7 July 2026 in Geneva.
The co-chairs reflect on the practical direction of the Dialogue, including efforts on capacity-building, the development of a partnership hub on AI to showcase innovations, and the prospects for greater coordination in and with the UN system on this new technology.
The exchange further addresses concerns about inequality in AI development and the risk that existing divides between countries could widen if governance frameworks do not actively support inclusion and access. It also considers how openness in the process can be sustained while strengthening cooperation and trust across different regions and levels of development.
The Global Dialogue in Geneva is the first global convening of its kind aimed at shared approaches to AI governance within a multilateral setting.
