Full Breakdown
Sam Altman to Brief UN Security Council on AI Risks Amid Global Calls for a Development Slowdown
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: UN Security Council Briefing on Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman is slated to address the United Nations Security Council during the week of September 18, 2026, while world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly in New York. The 15-member council, presided over by France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, will convene a session dedicated to the security implications of advanced artificial intelligence.
Background & Context
The Security Council first examined AI risks in 2023, when China warned that the technology could become a “runaway horse” and the United States cautioned against its use for censorship. In recent weeks, several AI firms have faced internal dissent, with Anthropic employee Jacob Coxon resigning and accusing the industry of “gambling” with lives. Prominent CEOs—including Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, Elon Musk, and DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis—have called for a coordinated slowdown of AI development.
Data & Statistics
- The Dreamforce conference in San Francisco attracted roughly 10,000 attendees, where Altman reiterated confidence in industry safety practices.
- Coxon’s resignation post reached an estimated 170 million accounts on X.
Official Statements & Responses
France, acting as the Council’s rotating president, circulated a concept note emphasizing the urgency of safe AI development for the international community. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that both national measures and global coordination are essential to mitigate AI-related threats. Altman, speaking at Dreamforce, expressed confidence that OpenAI and the broader industry can advance AI safely without causing widespread harm. Anthropic has not provided an immediate comment on the upcoming briefing.
Why It Matters
The Security Council’s focus on AI reflects mounting concerns that advanced models could be misused for malicious purposes, potentially affecting international peace and security. Coordinated policy responses could shape how nations regulate AI, influence export controls, and determine the extent of multinational collaboration on safety standards.
What’s Next
The briefings are scheduled for the week of September 18 (2026). Outcomes may include recommendations for international safety frameworks, potential resolutions on AI governance, and further engagement with industry leaders such as Anthropic and Google DeepMind.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In light of the risk of misuse of this technology for malicious purposes, and drawing on the Council’s existing engagement in this field, France wishes to underline the urgency of action to foster safe and responsible development of artificial intelligence for the benefit of the international community as a whole.” — Reuters, an openai spokesperson
- “National action is essential. But global coordination is also indispensable,” — General Antonio Guterres
- “We will get it right, by the way,” — Sam Altman, openai chief executive
- “Even if we freeze the technology in place … we’re making use of only 5% or 10% of what the possible value of the technology is.” — Dario Amodei, anthropic chief executive