UN AI Resolution
UN General Assembly Resolution A/78/L.49: Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development
First-ever UN General Assembly resolution on AI. Adopted unanimously with 125 co-sponsors (US-led). Establishes human rights as applicable to AI lifecycle, encourages regulatory frameworks, and calls for bridging AI divides between countries. Non-binding but sets global normative expectations.
Jurisdiction
United Nations
Enacted
Mar 21, 2024
Effective
Mar 21, 2024
Enforcement
TBD
Adopted unanimously by 193 member states. Non-binding but influential for national regulatory development.
UN Digital LibraryWhy It Matters
Global normative baseline for AI governance. Unanimous adoption signals international consensus on human rights approach. Influences national regulatory development worldwide.
Recent Developments
First unanimous UN resolution on AI. Preceded by UNESCO AI Ethics recommendation (2021). Sets stage for potential binding international AI governance.
At a Glance
Harms addressed
Who Must Comply
- UN Member States (voluntary implementation)
- Private sector (encouraged compliance)
- Civil society and research organizations
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Human rights and fundamental freedoms must be protected throughout AI lifecycle
- Protect individuals from discrimination, bias, misuse, or other AI harms
- Private sector encouraged to follow UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
- Develop regulatory and governance frameworks for safe, secure, trustworthy AI
- Address biased data that reinforces inequalities and discrimination
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United Nations
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
United Nations. (2024). UN General Assembly Resolution A/78/L.49: Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development.
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Last updated January 22, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.