Saudi calls for AI ethics in a UN debate over who writes the rules

At the gathering of world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly during the High Level Week, artificial intelligence emerged as an issue that both unites and divides nations. Everyone acknowledges the great benefits, yet they are split over the risks, who writes the rules, and how to prevent entire countries from falling behind. A review of the public debate speeches reveals a clearer picture: the matter is not only technical, but a struggle over power, access, and shaping the future.

Between Innovation and Barriers

Countries focused on balance: how to advance the positive aspects of artificial intelligence without opening the door to disasters by rogue actors? UNGA President Khalil al-Rahman said clearly, “Artificial intelligence can be a powerful accelerator of human progress; therefore we must not close the door on innovation.” He also warned of job losses and widening digital gaps, calling for safeguards based on science rather than fear. Switzerland called for regulation that builds trust without choking benefits, Japan emphasized cooperation on the safety of advanced AI models, whileSaudi Arabia Tilted Toward Ethics and Responsible Use.

Singapore’s prime minister called for testing, building trust, and cross-border reporting of incidents, warning of the risks posed by increasingly autonomous systems. Secretary-General António Guterres framed the challenge plainly: “The danger is not the technology. The danger is technology without accountability: capability without oversight, decisions without transparency.”

Humans, Not Processors

Once the political rhetoric is stripped away, most countries ask: what does this mean for daily life? The United Kingdom spoke of faster cancer diagnosis, economic renewal, and better public services. India went further, describing artificial intelligence as a revolutionary development tool: “We see AI as a transformative catalyst for empowering people, economic prosperity, and solving problems at population scale.” The United Kingdom also warned: “We recognize that AI will be a source of disruption to how we live and work, and a multiplier of risks.” The solution? Keep humans, specifically elected officials, in the leadership position: “Fundamental decisions about this technology are too important to be left to chance. They must be made by elected governments that serve working people.”

Who Writes the Rules?

A recurring question: will countries be satisfied with using artificial intelligence, or will they help shape its future? South Africa was blunt: Africa needs a hand in writing those rules, linking it to research, youth, and economic transformation. Switzerland agreed that genuine participation means shaping governance, not merely gaining access.India Called for Sovereignty“We believe in every nation’s right to shape its own system, developing its own models and deployment strategies in line with its national goals and priorities.” China focused on ensuring that technological progress is shared widely rather than concentrated among a few countries or communities. Singapore went further, proposing a future UN-wide framework treaty and an international institution dedicated to artificial intelligence, where everyone sits, not just the pioneers.

The Real Currency: Power and Access

Data, computing capacity, and influence remain a major concern for many countries. Brazil warned about the influence of large tech firms. France raised the risk of dependence on either dominant states or a handful of private companies. Developing nations are demanding a larger role in digital development, calling for broader access to computing power, technical expertise, infrastructure, and an influential voice in standard-setting.China linked this to the digital divide, South Africa to participation in research and governance, Saudi Arabia to building capacity-building institutions, and Switzerland to skills and infrastructure support..

What This Means for the Region

Saudi participation in this debate is not symbolic: the call for ethics and responsible use, and the explicit link between AI governance and capacity-building institutions, place the kingdom in a position of rule-maker rather than rule-taker. For those working in the Gulf, Egypt and the Levant, the message is clear: digital sovereignty is no longer a slogan, but a criterion for financing, partnership and regulation. Countries that invest in their own models, infrastructure and personnel are the ones that will sit at the table; the others will implement what is decided for them.