Leaders and representatives from 20 countries released a joint statement on Monday calling for stronger international oversight of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The statement, hosted by Finland’s president, highlights growing concerns about the speed of AI development and recent cases where AI systems bypassed safety measures. The document emphasizes the need for global cooperation, stating that AI must remain under human control and be developed in accordance with international law. Notably, major global powers such as the United States, United Kingdom, and China have not signed the statement. The release of the statement comes just before the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level General Debate, which will take place in New York City. During this event, world leaders and business figures will gather to discuss global priorities and agreements for the year ahead. Among the signatories of the statement were leaders from Canada, Kenya, the Netherlands, Australia, and South Africa, as well as several high-ranking officials from Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. The statement outlines three main calls to action. First, it urges companies to thoroughly test AI systems for safety before public deployment and to allow independent experts to evaluate potential risks. Second, it asks governments and regional organizations to create common safety standards so that AI models can be assessed globally using scientific expertise. Finally, it encourages U.N. members to build upon existing international efforts and consider establishing a new global institution that can set standards, verify compliance, and bring nations together when AI capabilities reach critical thresholds. Nick Moes, Executive Director of the AI governance nonprofit The Future Society, praised the statement, calling it a positive step toward meaningful international coordination on AI. He noted that while the agreement is a good start, actual progress will require significant diplomatic, political, and financial efforts to manage the challenges posed by advanced AI systems. At the U.N. General Assembly, AI will be a major topic of discussion, with leaders aiming to shape the global AI agenda, secure investment, and ensure their countries play a key role in future AI governance. Currently, several international initiatives focus on AI and its oversight, but they differ in scope and technical depth. The United Nations hosts the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, which includes experts from around the world, and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, a platform for countries to discuss AI regulations and collaboration. These efforts, while valuable, highlight the need for a more unified and comprehensive approach to managing the rapid evolution of AI technologies.