Canada joined a UN General Assembly statement from 20 countries urging stronger oversight of frontier AI models despite U.S. opposition to regulation.
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Canada joined 20 countries in a joint statement at the United Nations General Assembly calling for stronger oversight of artificial intelligence, even as the United States rejected efforts to regulate the technology. Prime Minister Mark Carney signed the statement, which warns that rapid development of so-called “frontier AI models” creates risks to safety and security if it is not properly managed.
The statement says member states have seen “capable AI systems” that can bypass testing safeguards, exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to real-world systems. It argues that these concerns justify coordinated approaches at the international level.
In the statement, signatories urge UN member states to consider creating an international institution to set standards, enable verification, and convene countries when AI capability thresholds are reached. The call reflects a broader push to manage advanced AI risks through shared rules rather than purely national measures.
The statement was issued on the same day the U.S. president told the UN General Assembly that the United States rejects any attempt to pursue what he described as a “globalist scheme” to control artificial intelligence. Canada’s position therefore sits in contrast to Washington’s approach, at least as expressed in the UN setting.
Canadian officials said the government is working with international partners on AI safety, while emphasizing Canada’s domestic efforts. Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon said in Ottawa that he met with international counterparts after Carney spoke with other leaders about the idea of a “technology stability” board to regulate AI.
Solomon told reporters Canada is “absolutely advocating” alongside partners to establish regulation focused on AI safety and reliability, but he said questions about leadership are addressed through domestic legislation. He pointed to proposed regulations on AI chatbots as part of Canada’s approach.
The minister also said Canada is taking a “very leading” role by funding work aimed at improving AI safety and reliability, including a $150 million investment in efforts by Canadian AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio. Bengio is set to address the UN Security Council Wednesday, where major AI companies are also expected to speak, underscoring the UN’s focus on advanced AI governance beyond the General Assembly.
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