Global Dialogue on AI Governance (UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/79/325)

Applies To

Overview

Resolution A/RES/79/325, adopted by the UN General Assembly, creates a structured multilateral process for deliberating on AI governance at the global level. The framework is designed to be inclusive, inviting submissions from member states, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society. The dialogue aims to surface diverse perspectives on AI risks, opportunities, and governance gaps that existing national and regional frameworks may not address consistently. Contributions submitted through the official portal by April 30, 2026 are expected to inform recommendations or instruments that the General Assembly may consider in subsequent sessions. The framework does not yet carry binding legal force; its authority is consultative and norm-shaping in nature. Outcomes may feed into future treaty negotiations, voluntary commitments, or General Assembly resolutions with broader normative impact.

Key Requirements

• •Member states and eligible stakeholders must submit contributions via the official UN portal by April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT to participate in the formal record.
• •Submissions should address identified AI governance challenges, gaps, and priorities as defined in Resolution A/RES/79/325.
• •No binding compliance obligations are currently attached; participation is voluntary for all non-state stakeholders.
• •Intergovernmental bodies and specialized UN agencies are expected to coordinate submissions through established UN protocols.
• •Enterprises and civil society organizations participating should document their submissions for internal governance records, as outputs may inform future binding instruments.
• •No financial penalties or enforcement mechanisms are in place at this stage; the framework operates on a deliberative, consensus-building basis.

What Your Organization Must Do

• →Assign a senior policy or regulatory affairs lead by January 2026 to coordinate your organization's submission to the UN Global Dialogue portal before the April 30, 2026 deadline at 11:59 PM EDT.
• →Review Resolution A/RES/79/325 with legal and compliance teams to identify AI governance gaps in your current practices that align with the dialogue's stated priorities, using findings to shape submission content.
• →Draft a substantive organizational submission that documents your AI risk management approaches, governance structures, and recommended policy priorities, ensuring it reflects your organization's public positions on AI regulation.
• →Retain a certified copy of the submitted contribution in your internal governance records, as submissions may be referenced in future binding instruments, treaty negotiations, or General Assembly resolutions.
• →Monitor outputs from the dialogue process through 2026 and beyond, tasking your regulatory affairs function with flagging any draft instruments or resolutions that could elevate current voluntary commitments to binding obligations.
• →Brief the board or senior leadership on the consultative nature of the framework now and establish a review trigger to reassess compliance obligations if the General Assembly adopts downstream binding measures.

Playbook Guidance

Step-by-step implementation guidance for compliance teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the submission deadline for the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance?

Contributions must be submitted through the official UN portal by April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT. Submissions made by this deadline become part of the formal record that will inform recommendations the General Assembly may consider in subsequent sessions.

Is participation in the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance mandatory for private companies?

No. Participation is entirely voluntary for all non-state stakeholders, including private sector organizations, academia, and civil society. There are no binding compliance obligations or financial penalties attached to the framework at this stage.

Can outputs from the GDAG process become legally binding in the future?

Not directly, but the dialogue is explicitly designed to inform future instruments. Contributions may feed into treaty negotiations, voluntary commitments, or subsequent General Assembly resolutions that could carry broader normative or binding force. Organizations should monitor outputs through 2026 and beyond.

How does the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance differ from the EU AI Act?

The EU AI Act is a binding regulation with enforceable obligations and financial penalties. The UN Global Dialogue is consultative and norm-shaping, with no current enforcement mechanisms. Its outputs may eventually influence international instruments, but it does not impose direct legal requirements on organizations today.

Who is eligible to submit contributions to the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance?

Eligible participants include UN member states, intergovernmental organizations, private sector entities, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. The framework is intentionally broad to surface diverse perspectives on AI risks and governance gaps across regions and sectors.

Why should compliance teams retain a copy of their organization's submission to the GDAG portal?

Submissions become part of the formal UN record and may be referenced in future treaty negotiations or binding resolutions. Retaining certified copies supports internal governance documentation and ensures the organization can demonstrate consistency between its public policy positions and subsequent regulatory responses.