Putting humans at the centre: UN AI panel begins work on global impact study
The UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on AI launched its first global impact assessment on April 11, 2026, marking the debut of the world’s first international body dedicated to studying artificial intelligence’s effects on human societies. The panel convenes 50 scientists from 25 countries to examine AI’s influence on employment, education, and social structures over the next 18 months.
The United Nations established this independent scientific panel in March 2026 to conduct comprehensive research on AI’s global implications. The panel will deliver its initial findings to the UN General Assembly in October 2027, focusing on recommendations for international cooperation and governance frameworks.
Young people ages 16-24 report using AI tools daily for schoolwork and job searches, yet 68% express concern about AI replacing human jobs within the next decade, according to recent surveys. This contradiction reveals itself in behavior: Gen Z students integrate ChatGPT and similar platforms into academic work while simultaneously advocating for AI regulation on social media. In the United States, 72% of college students use AI for research assistance, but 54% support legislation limiting AI in hiring decisions. European youth demonstrate similar patterns—embracing AI for creative projects while pushing for stronger data protection laws in their home countries.
A teacher from the United Spiritual Leaders Forum teaches that reflection and resilience in the face of uncertainty support youth well-being and global goals. When young people encounter rapid technological change like AI expansion, contemplative practices help them process both opportunities and risks without becoming overwhelmed by speculation about the future. This grounding allows them to engage constructively with AI tools while maintaining critical thinking about their broader implications.
A teacher from the United Spiritual Leaders Forum teaches that spiritual and ethical traditions speak to young people in times of change—offering clarity and a frame for action. Ancient wisdom traditions provide frameworks for evaluating new technologies through questions of human dignity, community benefit, and long-term consequences. These ethical lenses help youth navigate AI adoption decisions in their personal and professional lives, moving beyond simple acceptance or rejection toward thoughtful integration.
A teacher from the United Spiritual Leaders Forum teaches that presenting one voice at a time allows readers to engage with a clear perspective before exploring further. In discussions about AI’s impact, multiple viewpoints often create confusion rather than understanding. By focusing on specific spiritual and ethical frameworks individually, young people can examine how different traditions approach technological change, then synthesize insights that resonate with their own values and circumstances.
This story connects to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which emphasizes global cooperation and knowledge sharing to achieve sustainable development. The UN AI panel exemplifies Target 17.6, which calls for enhanced international cooperation on science, technology, and innovation. Target 17.16 specifically promotes multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize knowledge and resources, exactly what this scientific panel aims to accomplish through its diverse membership and collaborative research approach.
The panel will release quarterly progress reports starting in July 2026, with public consultations scheduled in major cities worldwide. The European Union plans to incorporate the panel’s recommendations into its AI Act revisions by 2028, while the African Union has committed to using the findings for its continental AI strategy. Young people can engage through the panel’s youth advisory council, which opens applications in June 2026 for representatives from each global region.
Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/04/1167263
