UN creates new scientific AI advisory panel: what will it do?

Nature

by Elizabeth Gibney

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The United Nations has established a new Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence (AI), modeled after the influential Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This panel, approved by the UN General Assembly in February 2024, will analyze AI's impacts across economic, social, cultural, and developmental domains. Comprising 40 members from 37 countries, it aims to serve as an "early-warning system" and provide evidence-based insights to guide government policies. The panel is distinct from previous AI-focused initiatives like the Global Partnership on AI and the International AI Safety Report due to its broader scope and global reach. Unlike these groups, the UN panel will produce annual reports addressing a wide range of topics related to AI, including its risks and benefits. This approach mirrors the IPCC's role in synthesizing climate science and mitigation strategies. The members of the panel were selected from over 2,600 candidates through a rigorous review process led by three UN technical agencies. Prominent figures include Yoshua Bengio, a leading AI researcher, and Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace laureate and journalist. While some members have industry ties, they will serve in personal capacities, emphasizing their role as independent researchers. The panel's global diversity is one of its key strengths. It includes representatives from regions such as Mexico, the Philippines, and Uganda, ensuring that AI's context-dependent impacts are addressed. For instance, language models may perform differently across languages with limited online data, and AI's effects on labor markets will vary by country. This initiative matters because it positions the UN at the forefront of understanding AI's transformative potential and risks. By providing a credible evidence base, the panel can help governments make informed decisions about harnessing AI for global benefit while mitigating its harms. Its work is particularly relevant as AI continues to shape societies worldwide, requiring coordinated international efforts to navigate its challenges responsibly.

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Originally published on Nature on 2/26/2026