STUDY GUIDE

2025

UNGA
United Nations
General Assembly

UNGA #hfsmun2025
 Table Of Contents
Agenda I
Letter from the Executive Board.................................................02
Key Terms................................................................................................03
Introduction to the Agenda............................................................04
Background to the Agenda..............................................................05
UNGA Involvement.............................................................................12
Current Affairs.......................................................................................14
Bloc Positions.........................................................................................30
UN Frameworks and Current Documentation....................35
Past Action by the United Nations..............................................39
QARMA’s..................................................................................................40
Citations and Further Reading......................................................42

Agenda II
Letter from the Executive Board..................................................44
Key Terms.................................................................................................45
Introduction to the Agenda.............................................................46
Background to the Agenda..............................................................48
UNGA Involvement.............................................................................53
Current Affairs.......................................................................................55
Bloc Positions..........................................................................................59
Past And Current Paperwork.........................................................62
Past Action...............................................................................................64
QARMAs....................................................................................................66
Citations and Further Reading......................................................67
 1

Agenda I
Codifying Global Guidelines for AI
Governance through a United
Nations Led Framework for Ethical
and Equitable AI Implementation
 2
Letter from the Executive
Board
Dear Delegates, As we approach the upcoming session of the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) Committee, it is imperative that all delegates arrive well-prepared to
engage substantively with the agenda:

“Codifying Global Guidelines for AI Governance through a United Nations Led

Framework for Ethical and Equitable AI Implementation.”

This topic lies at the forefront of international policy discourse and demands a deep,
multifaceted understanding of technological, ethical, legal, and geopolitical dimensions.

Delegates are strongly encouraged to conduct comprehensive research using credible and
diverse sources. The issue of AI governance spans sectors and continents —
encompassing challenges such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, surveillance, digital
colonialism, and the digital divide. Therefore, positions should be rooted in reliable data,
existing international frameworks, national strategies, and case studies. While AI tools
may be used sparingly for assistance, their use should be limited in speechwriting and
research. Emphasis must remain on critical thinking, independent analysis, and informed
policymaking.

The committee provides each delegate with the autonomy to frame their approach to the
agenda. Delegates are encouraged to analyse the implications of AI governance from
their respective national and regional perspectives, while also considering the broader
need for multilateral cooperation. Bloc alignments and national stances should be well-
reasoned, and any significant shifts or unconventional positions must be justified with
strong rationale and a firm understanding of international dynamics.

We urge all participants to engage earnestly in preparation, maintain diplomatic

decorum, and strive to advance comprehensive, equitable, and enforceable policy
frameworks. The success of this committee lies in your ability to collaborate, challenge
existing norms, and propose innovative yet practical solutions.

Should any delegate require assistance or clarification regarding the agenda or committee
procedures, please feel free to reach out to the Executive Board. We are committed to
supporting your efforts and ensuring a productive and intellectually stimulating session.

Warm regards,
The Executive Board,
United Nations General Assembly

Navya Luhadia - Director

Vyoma Doshi - Assistant Director
Kalyani Krishnan - Moderator
 3
Key Terms
1) AI Governance: Legal, ethical, and institutional frameworks
regulating AI technologies.

2) Ethical AI: Systems developed with values like fairness,

transparency, privacy, and human dignity.

3) Equitable Implementation: Ensuring AI’s benefits are accessible

across socio-economic divides.

4) Multistakeholder Architecture: Inclusive governance involving

states, private sector, civil society, and academia.

5) Algorithmic Bias: Systematic errors in AI that yield unfair

outcomes.

6) Data Sovereignty: Assertion that data is governed by the

jurisdiction where it originates.

7) Global Standards Exchange: Proposed mechanism for sharing

and harmonizing AI norms globally.

8) Capacity-Building Fund: Financial mechanism aimed at

supporting low- and middle-income countries .

9) Soft Regulation: Governance based on guidelines and principles

rather than legally binding rules—common in GCC nations.

10) Trustworthy AI: AI that is credible, bias-aware, transparent, and

safe

11) Global Digital Compact: UN initiative endorsed at the Summit

of the Future to foster global AI governance collaboration
 4
Introduction to the
Agenda
Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of technological
revolutions, offering transformative benefits across healthcare,
education, environmental management, and economic productivity.
However, its rapid adoption also poses significant risks—including
algorithmic bias, privacy infringements, and unequal access. These
dangers are most pronounced in regions with limited regulatory
maturity or institutional capacity.

The agenda “Codifying Global Guidelines for AI Governance

through a United Nations‑Led Framework for Ethical and Equitable AI
Implementation” calls for a structured, globally coordinated
approach. It focuses on establishing universally accepted standards
that safeguard human rights, ensure ethical deployment, and
promote equitable access to AI’s benefits. The United Nations, with
its global legitimacy and inclusive mandate, is uniquely suited to
facilitate this effort.

Delegates in this UNGA committee session will critically assess

existing policy gaps and regional disparities, and work toward
drafting a robust resolution. The committee’s objective is to
recommend actionable steps, such as establishing an independent AI
standards body, promoting transparency in AI systems, and
supporting capacity building in the Global South. Through reasoned
debate and multilateral negotiation, participants will progress toward
a globally endorsed framework that balances innovation with
accountability, ensuring AI serves all humanity fairly and responsibly.
 5

Background to the
Agenda
Between 2009 and 2025, a diverse tapestry of global, regional, and
national initiatives laid the groundwork for today’s AI governance
agenda.

2009–2015: Early Awareness

Countries like Canada and the UK began formulating foundational

strategies addressing data and digital ethics, highlighting concerns
about emerging AI technologies.
The rise of machine learning and autonomous systems began
garnering international attention, prompting initial academic and
policy debates on ethics and fairness.

2016–2018: National and Regional Frameworks

2016: Stanford’s AI Index documented rapid growth—over 30

countries adopted AI strategies by this time, signaling global interest
2018: The EU published its “Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI,”
presenting rights-based principles, while China released its first
national “AI Ethics Code.” The U.S. pursued coordinated, agency-level
guidance focusing on sectoral innovation.

2019–2020: Global Coordination Emerges

2019: UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Digital

Cooperation called for a multistakeholder approach to digital
governance.
2020: Launch of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI)—with founding
support from Canada, France, India, and others—signifying formal
international cooperation .
UNESCO began drafting its AI ethics recommendations, emphasizing
rights, inclusion, and sustainability.
 6

Background to the
Agenda
2021–2023: Institutionalization of Ethical Governance

2021: UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI was adopted

by 193 states, mandating readiness-assessment tools and
accountability mechanisms .
2023: UN‑GA adopted a resolution on leveraging AI for sustainable
development, followed by launch of the Secretary‑General’s High-
Level Advisory Body on AI (39 members).

2024: Blueprint and Summit Actions

Sept 2024: The Advisory Body issued Governing AI for Humanity,

including seven key recommendations: global standards exchange,
data framework, capacity‑building fund, and a small coordination
office.
A UN–OECD partnership was initiated to align policies and support
evidence‑based governance.
May 2024: The AI Seoul Summit (co‑hosted by South Korea and the
UK) adopted a Declaration committing G7 nations to interoperable,
inclusive AI frameworks .

2025: From Blueprint to Action

Early 2025: UN ECOSOC emphasized the role of responsible AI

governance in supporting sustainable development.
Ongoing national developments include India implementing data
protection (2023) and Odisha launching an AI education policy
(2025).
GCC countries emphasize national strategies grounded in ethics,
though often using “soft regulation” .
 7

Background to the
Agenda
Regional Specific Data
North America: Leading in capacity, with U.S. dominance (~77% of
AI governance market) .
Europe: EU AI Act (2021) and GDPR set a benchmark for data
protection and high-risk AI regulation .
Asia-Pacific: Rapid growth—investment projected to quintuple to
US$117billion by 2030; uneven progress on trust frameworks .
Latin America: Emerging AI ecosystems in Brazil and Mexico;
national strategies in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia .
Middle East & Africa: UAE, Saudi, Qatar, and Oman leading via
national ethics codes; Africa focusing on digital readiness .
 8

Background to the
Agenda

A regional breakdown of the AI governance market across the world as

projected for the year 2024.

Regions Displayed:
North America: 32.9% market share (the only region with specified
data)
Europe, APAC (Asia-Pacific), MEA (Middle East & Africa), and Latin
America: Marked as XX.X%, meaning their precise share is not shown
in this image.
 9

Background to the
Agenda

A regional analysis of the AI in Data Governance Market for the year

2023, focused on market size and distribution.

Highlighted Data:
North America: USD 0.63 billion, clearly leading in this sector.
Other regions (Europe, Latin America, MEA, and APAC): Identified on
the map but without specified monetary values
North America holds the largest global share in the AI in data
governance market, according to the image source ([Link]).
 10

Background to the
Agenda

A world map indicating countries’ progress on adopting a national AI

strategy, based on data from the 2024 AI Index Report.

Blue: Countries that have released a national strategy on AI.

Pink: Countries with a strategy in development.
White: Countries that have not released a national AI strategy.

A large number of developed and emerging economies have

implemented national AI strategies (blue), especially in North America,
Europe, and parts of Asia, while many African and smaller nations are
yet to release one.
 11

Background to the
Agenda
TIMELINE 2009-2025

Year Milestone

National digital ethics measures; academic AI governance

2009–15
debates

2016 >30 countries adopt AI strategies; EU ethics guidelines

2018 EU Trustworthy AI; China releases ethics code

2019 UN High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation

2020 Launch of GPAI; UNESCO drafts ethics guidelines

2021 UNESCO ethical recommendation adopted

2023 UNGA resolution; formation of Advisory Body

“Governing AI for Humanity” report; UN–OECD partnership;

2024
Seoul Summit Declaration

ECOSOC endorsement; national policy developments in

2025
India, GCC ethics initiatives
 12

UNGA INVOLVEMENT
The discussion of global AI governance stands as a crucial
responsibility for the United Nations General Assembly, especially
as the international community faces the accelerated rise of artificial
intelligence and its societal implications. The UNGA, being the
democratic deliberative body of the United Nations, plays a critical
and far-reaching role in steering ethical, political, and legal
frameworks in response to technological advancements. As a
platform where all member states are equally represented, the
UNGA is uniquely empowered to recommend normative standards,
initiate international dialogue, and foster consensus on how
artificial intelligence should be governed in alignment with human
rights and sustainable development. This particular agenda falls
under the scope of the First Committee (Disarmament and
International Security) or potentially the Third Committee (Social,
Humanitarian, and Cultural), depending on the focus of discussion
—whether it concerns AI in warfare or human rights impacts,
respectively.

The members of this committee possess the prerogative to

recommend wide-ranging policies that may shape the global
trajectory of AI deployment. Delegates are entrusted with drafting
and passing resolutions that may influence national strategies,
inspire multilateral agreements, and encourage cooperation with
specialized UN bodies such as the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU), UNESCO, and the Office of the High Commissioner for
Human Rights. The multidimensional nature of this issue—touching
on ethics, security, digital development, and global equity—places
it within the collaborative reach of several UN organs, with the
UNGA leading the charge in consensus-building and norm-setting.
 13

UNGA INVOLVEMENT
Delegates are called upon to create a climate of cooperation that
promotes transparency in AI systems, supports capacity building in
under-resourced regions, safeguards against misuse, and
encourages responsible innovation. They are also expected to
advise the Secretary-General and relevant agencies on pathways to
institutionalize global frameworks—particularly through
collaboration with initiatives like the UN AI Advisory Body and the
roadmap outlined in “Governing AI for Humanity.”
 14
Current Affairs
1) UN Proposes Robust Framework for AI Governance

The Governing AI for Humanity report, released by the United

Nations’ High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence in
September 2024, lays out a comprehensive global strategy for
ethical, inclusive, and human rights-based AI governance.
Developed after extensive consultations involving over 2,000
stakeholders from 33 countries, the report outlines seven key
recommendations:

establish an International Scientific Panel on AI to provide

impartial, evidence-based assessments of AI risks and
opportunities;
launch a Global Dialogue on AI Governance to align policy
and legal frameworks through multilateral forums;
create a Standards Exchange to harmonize AI technical norms
across nations and industries;
develop a Global Capacity Development Network to support
low- and middle-income countries with education, training, and
infrastructure;
set up a Global AI Fund to bridge digital divides and finance
inclusive AI initiatives;
introduce a Global AI Data Framework for ethical and
transparent data stewardship;
 15

Current Affairs
Establish a UN AI Office to coordinate and oversee global
implementation. The report underscores urgent action, pointing
out that while AI is already transforming sectors like healthcare,
climate, and education, over 118 UN member states, especially
from the Global South- remain excluded from global
governance discussions. Endorsed by UN Secretary-General
António Guterres, the document calls for a response to AI that
mirrors the urgency of climate change, with an emphasis on
science-based governance and legally anchored human rights
protections. While the framework has been praised for its
equity-focused and systemic approach, key challenges include
lack of enforceability, geopolitical tensions, funding gaps, and
the risk of global institutions lagging behind the pace of
technological change. The report’s success will depend on how
swiftly and effectively these recommendations are
operationalized and whether they can foster meaningful global
cooperation.
 16
Current Affairs
2) UN Moves Forward on Global AI Governance Framework

In February 2025, the United Nations released an Elements Paper

outlining the proposed structure and functioning of two major
initiatives: the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and
the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. These initiatives, mandated
by UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/79/1 and part of the
Global Digital Compact, aim to address the profound global
implications of artificial intelligence through coordinated, inclusive
governance.

The Independent Scientific Panel on AI will serve as a globally

representative, multidisciplinary body tasked with delivering
evidence-based assessments of AI's risks, capabilities, and societal
impacts. It will monitor emerging technologies, conduct horizon
scanning, and offer early warnings on potentially disruptive
innovations. Composed of experts selected through a transparent
and diverse nomination process, the panel will release annual
reports and targeted policy briefs in all six official UN languages,
supporting informed global decision-making.

Parallelly, the Global Dialogue on AI Governance will function as

an intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder forum, convened at
least once a year at major UN conferences. Its purpose is to
facilitate international cooperation on AI through best practice
sharing, capacity-building, and promoting alignment with the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and human rights. It will
also ensure meaningful participation from developing nations and
work in synergy with ongoing AI governance efforts at regional and
global levels.
 17

Current Affairs
2) UN Moves Forward on Global AI Governance Framework

Both bodies will be supported by UN-based secretariats and will

undergo structural reviews during the high-level evaluation of the
Global Digital Compact at the UN’s 82nd General Assembly
session. While their outputs will be non-binding, the initiative
signals a significant step toward codifying ethical, inclusive, and
rights-based AI governance globally, and reflects growing
consensus on the need for science-driven, collaborative oversight of
emerging technologies.
 18
Current Affairs
3) UN Advances AI Governance Through Independent Scientific
Panel and Global Dialogue

In February 2025, the United Nations released the Elements Paper

outlining the proposed terms of reference and modalities for the
establishment and functioning of two major initiatives: the
Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence
and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. Mandated by UN
General Assembly Resolution A/RES/79/1 and developed through
consultations with Member States and stakeholders in January and
February 2025, these bodies form a central part of the
implementation of the Global Digital Compact. The Scientific Panel
is envisioned as an independent, multidisciplinary, and globally
representative body that will produce evidence-based assessments
on AI’s capabilities, risks, opportunities, and societal impacts. Its
functions include horizon scanning to anticipate future trends,
issuing early warnings, and initiating targeted research to address
global capacity-building gaps. Experts will be selected via an open,
transparent nomination process, ensuring geographical, gender,
cultural, and disciplinary diversity. The panel’s findings will be
released at least annually, with additional briefs as needed, and
made available in all six UN official languages, including
accessible summaries.
 19
Current Affairs
3) UN Advances AI Governance Through Independent Scientific
Panel and Global Dialogue

The Global Dialogue on AI Governance, meanwhile, will serve as

an intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder platform to enable
inclusive discussions on AI governance. Convened at least once a
year on the margins of key UN conferences in New York or
Geneva, it will promote international cooperation, best practice
sharing, capacity-building, human rights alignment, and support for
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will also work to
ensure meaningful participation from developing countries and
build synergies with existing UN and regional initiatives. Both the
Panel and Dialogue will be supported by secretariats within the UN
system, and their structure will be reviewed during the 82nd session
of the UN General Assembly as part of the High-Level Review of the
Global Digital Compact. While the outputs of both bodies will be
non-binding, they are expected to significantly shape the evolving
global conversation on ethical, inclusive, and science-based AI
governance.
 20
Current Affairs
4) Europe Leads with First-Ever Comprehensive AI Law

In March 2024, the European Parliament took a historic step by

approving the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act, the first-
ever comprehensive legal framework aimed at regulating AI
technologies on a global scale. This pioneering legislation adopts a
risk-based approach, categorizing AI applications by their potential
harm and setting strict rules accordingly. The Act outright bans AI
systems considered to pose an “unacceptable risk”, such as
indiscriminate biometric surveillance in public spaces, remote
emotion recognition in sensitive environments like schools and
workplaces, and large-scale scraping of facial images from the
internet without consent. For high-risk AI applications including
those deployed in critical sectors such as healthcare, law
enforcement, border control, and infrastructure the law mandates
rigorous risk assessments, human oversight, transparency measures,
and robust documentation. Providers of general-purpose AI models,
including powerful foundation models similar to ChatGPT, are
required to label AI-generated content clearly, maintain up-to-date
technical documentation, and report any serious incidents or
malfunctions to authorities. The law’s reach is extraterritorial,
applying to all AI systems made available or used within the EU,
regardless of where the provider or developer is based, with non-
compliance punishable by fines of up to 7% of a company’s global
annual turnover, a scale comparable to the EU’s landmark GDPR
fines.
 21
Current Affairs
4) Europe Leads with First-Ever Comprehensive AI Law

The legislation entered into force on August 1, 2024, but its

provisions will be implemented gradually unacceptable-risk bans
took effect six months after enforcement, transparency obligations
for general-purpose AI start in 2026, and the full compliance
requirements for high-risk systems will be enforced by 2027. This
comprehensive legal framework represents the EU’s ambition to
ensure AI development aligns with European values of human
dignity, privacy, safety, and non-discrimination while promoting
innovation and competitiveness. Moreover, the EU AI Act is widely
expected to set a global standard, prompting countries worldwide
to consider similar regulatory approaches, thus extending the EU’s
influence on AI governance beyond its borders, a phenomenon
known as the “Brussels effect.” As AI technologies continue to
evolve rapidly, the Act aims to create legal certainty for businesses
and protect citizens from potential harms, reinforcing the EU’s role
as a global leader in ethical and trustworthy AI regulation.
 22
Current Affairs
5) 'Take it seriously': UN Security Council meets for first time about
AI risks

In July 2023, the United Nations Security Council held a landmark

session the first of its kind dedicated to discussing the global risks
posed by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Chaired by UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, the meeting
brought together world leaders, diplomats, and AI experts including
Jack Clark, Chief Strategy Officer of Anthropic, and Professor Zeng
Yi from the China-UK Research Center for AI Ethics and
Governance. This high-level dialogue acknowledged AI as an
emerging threat multiplier with potential to significantly impact
international peace and security. Concerns highlighted included the
use of AI in autonomous weapons systems capable of making lethal
decisions without human intervention, the expansion of AI-enabled
mass surveillance and intrusion on privacy, and the weaponization
of AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes to manipulate public
opinion, undermine democratic processes, and fuel conflict. The
council emphasized that AI’s dual-use nature offering tremendous
socioeconomic benefits but also unprecedented risks demands a
coordinated global response. James Cleverly called for urgent
multilateral cooperation to develop international norms,
transparency standards, and regulatory frameworks that can reduce
AI-related threats while supporting responsible innovation. The
meeting also underscored the importance of inclusivity, with input
from developing countries and non-state stakeholders, to ensure
equitable governance and prevent technological divides. This
Security Council session marks a critical step toward recognizing AI
governance as a central pillar of global security policy.
 23
Current Affairs
6) Bridging Innovation and Regulation Amid Rising Friction

Europe continues to play a vanguard role in global AI governance

through its landmark AI Act, which categorizes AI systems by risk
and mandates transparency, oversight, and limitations on high-risk
use cases such as biometric surveillance and social scoring.
However, the implementation phase in 2025 has seen
unprecedented lobbying from U.S.-based tech firms, European
startups, and industry groups concerned about stifled innovation
and regulatory fragmentation.

Policymakers are now grappling with how to retain Europe's

leadership role while accommodating business demands.
According to the European Commission, aligning this regulation
with the UN’s Global Digital Compact (GDC) is essential to ensure
global interoperability and uphold Europe’s ethical leadership. The
Compact, adopted in 2024 by UN member states, mandates
multistakeholder oversight, equitable access to AI technologies, and
a science-based advisory system. Europe's involvement in the
development of the GDC’s implementation roadmaps especially
through the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act
(DMA) frameworks reflects a strategic intent to export its regulatory
standards globally, a concept often referred to as the “Brussels
Effect.” Furthermore, the European Parliament’s AI Office, launched
in early 2025, is coordinating directly with UN agencies and the
proposed International AI Observatory to create joint benchmarks
and a repository of best practices. However, the road ahead
remains politically charged, especially as debates over AI-driven
migration control, predictive policing, and workplace surveillance
intensify across the bloc.
 24
Current Affairs
7) Multipolar Models and Developmental Diplomacy

Asia exhibits a diverse regulatory landscape, reflecting both

authoritarian and democratic models of AI governance, as well as
unique contributions to the global conversation on ethical
development. China’s engagement with the UN is rooted in its
ambition to reshape global norms around data sovereignty and
digital infrastructure. At the UN’s AI capacity-building forum in May
2025, China promoted its Global AI Governance Initiative (2023),
which emphasizes non-interference, infrastructure financing, and
south-south cooperation. Through forums such as the China-UN
Peace and Development Fund, Beijing has supported technical
assistance programs for AI policy formulation in Asia and Africa. Its
vision aligns with a state-centric governance model, often critiqued
for excluding civil society but lauded for infrastructure deployment
in the Global South. India’s diplomacy at the UN, by contrast,
stresses inclusivity, transparency, and empowerment, grounded in
its successful implementation of open-source digital public goods. At
UN sessions in 2024–2025, India showcased platforms like
Aadhaar, UPI, and the National AI Portal, advocating their use as
tools for financial inclusion, healthcare expansion, and rural
digitization.
 25
Current Affairs
7) Multipolar Models and Developmental Diplomacy

India’s stance reflects its dual identity as both a tech powerhouse

and a developing country, making it an important bridge-builder
between advanced and emerging economies in global AI talks.
Japan, blending innovation with caution, passed its AI R&D
Promotion Law (2025) to foster innovation while maintaining public
trust. The law emphasizes transparency, explainability, and human
rights, while allowing regulatory “sandboxes” for experimental use
in sectors like manufacturing and eldercare. Tokyo has also pushed
for a G7-wide AI Code of Conduct, complementing UN frameworks
with advanced economy commitments
 26
Current Affairs
8) Centering Human Rights and Contextual Sovereignty

The African continent’s contribution to AI governance is often

underrepresented but increasingly vital. In Zambia, the government
completed its national AI strategy in late 2024, emphasizing AI’s
role in improving resource extraction efficiency, modernizing
government services, and enhancing climate resilience. This
approach is notable for its explicit grounding in international
human rights law, with Zambia referencing the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and the UN’s Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) as normative anchors. Institutions like
the United Nations University and African Union Development
Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) have called for the development of
continental AI standards, rooted in contextual adaptation, local
languages, and data ownership. These frameworks emphasize
explainable AI, algorithmic transparency, and intergenerational
equity, pointing to AI’s transformative potential in education,
agriculture, and urban planning. The Digital Cooperation
Organization (DCO), which includes Morocco and Nigeria, is also
aligning with the Global Digital Compact’s call for
multistakeholderism by convening youth consultative platforms and
supporting women in AI initiatives, setting a precedent for inclusive
AI policy development that other regions are beginning to replicate.
 27
Current Affairs
9) Policy Harmonization Through Social Rights Lens

Latin America offers a rights-based counter-narrative to the Global

North’s security- or commerce-heavy AI frameworks. The region’s
tradition of constitutional social rights and strong civil society
movements has catalyzed momentum toward participatory and
protective AI regulation. For instance, Brazil’s AI Bill of Rights,
currently under deliberation in Congress, reflects deep engagement
with ethics boards, indigenous communities, and human rights
lawyers, ensuring regulation doesn’t disproportionately affect
marginalized groups. At the UN, Latin American countries have
championed “AI for democracy” and proposed establishing a Latin
American AI Council, in dialogue with the Global Digital
Compact’s vision of decentralized oversight. The Inter-American
Development Bank (IDB) and CEPAL (UN’s Latin American
economic commission) are collaborating with the UN AI Advisory
Body to offer technical and legal support for harmonizing national
laws, reducing fragmentation, and facilitating regional cooperation
on AI in climate mitigation, education, and healthcare. .
 28
Current Affairs
10) Security-First Governance and Emerging Norm Contestation

The Middle East’s approach to AI is predominantly state-driven and

security-focused, with AI increasingly used for counterterrorism,
border surveillance, and domestic monitoring. According to War
on the Rocks, the region is becoming a “live testing ground” for
military AI applications, including autonomous drones, surveillance
platforms, and cyber defense tools—raising urgent questions about
transparency, accountability, and civil [Link] the UN General
Assembly’s 2025 session on LAWS (lethal autonomous weapons
systems), regional actors like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE
resisted binding regulations, arguing that existing humanitarian law
suffices and that UN frameworks should not limit sovereign
innovation. Civil society, however, has raised alarms about AI-
driven human rights violations, urging the inclusion of Arab League
observers and religious scholars in international AI governance
processes. There is also growing interest in AI for economic
diversification notably in smart cities, oil-to-digital transitions, and
Arabic-language LLMs with countries like Qatar and the UAE
proposing regional AI ethics codes that reflect Islamic values and
local cultural norms. However, most Middle Eastern states still lack
independent regulatory bodies, limiting their ability to comply with
the multi stakeholder demands of the Global Digital Compact
 29
Current Affairs
11) Institutionalizing Multilateral Leadership Amid Domestic
Divergence

The United States, while championing the first UN AI Resolution

(March 2024) and playing a key role in establishing the
Independent Scientific Panel on AI, faces internal inconsistencies in
its global AI leadership. Domestically, U.S. federal efforts—such as
the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and Executive Orders on AI
Safety—have yet to be codified into federal legislation, weakening
its normative coherence in UN discussions. U.S. diplomats
emphasize risk-based, sectoral, and non-binding guidelines, often
clashing with the EU’s push for stricter, enforceable norms. This
divergence was clear at the May 2025 UN session on AI in
warfare, where the U.S. opposed calls for a global ban on
autonomous weapons, citing military readiness and technological
edge as strategic priorities. Canada, however, is emerging as a
balancing actor, supporting both the OECD AI Principles and the
UN’s Inclusive AI Development Fund, aimed at building governance
capacity in the Global South. It has passed the Artificial Intelligence
and Data Act (AIDA) and is working with UNESCO on a global AI
impact assessment toolkit, showing a deeper commitment to
harmonizing domestic policy with global initiatives.
 30

Bloc Positions
1) Western Democratic Bloc (U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, EU
Allies)

It advocates for a risk-based, non-binding regulatory approach that

relies on sector-specific adaptation instead of broad international
treaties. This model aims to foster innovation while ensuring the
protection of rights through transparency and explainability, and
promotes multistakeholder governance by actively involving
industry, academia, and civil society in the policymaking process.
Policy Pointers:
U.S. led the UN’s first AI resolution (March 2024) promoting
“safe, secure, trustworthy” AI but opposed binding bans on
autonomous weapons in May 2025.
Canada aligns with OECD and UN bodies, enacted AIDA
domestically, and funds AI capacity-building in the Global
South.
EU allies (e.g., UK, Germany) forward human-centric
frameworks but resisted the 2025 inclusive AI declaration due
to national-security concerns.
 31

Bloc Positions
2) European Regulatory Bloc (EU Member States & Others)

It promotes binding and enforceable AI regulations established

through national legislation and international treaties aligned with
the United Nations framework. The core approach is human-centric
and rights-focused, emphasizing privacy, dignity, and protection
from intrusive surveillance. It also upholds digital sovereignty and
prioritizes ethical standard-setting through established European
Union institutions.

Policy Pointers:
Adopted the EU AI Act (2024) with a risk-tiered system and
fines up to 7% global turnover; currently facing industry
lobbying
Investing €1.3 bn in AI infrastructure and skills via Digital
Europe (2025–27)
Europe is pushing to embed its standards in the UN’s Global
Digital Compact, reinforcing the “Brussels Effect” on global
policy
 32

Bloc Positions
3) BRICS & Global South Bloc (India, Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria,
etc.)

This stance emphasizes equitable access to AI technologies and

capacity-building efforts that prioritize inclusivity. It advocates for
governance frameworks tailored to regional languages, cultural
contexts, and rights-based systems. Additionally, it expresses
skepticism toward authoritarian AI dominance, promoting
decentralized and pluralistic global norms instead.

Policy Pointers:
India presented ethical AI frameworks at the UN, rooted in
open-source Aadhaar and UPI infrastructure. Brazil, through
BRICS, is actively shaping equitable governance dialogues.
African countries like Zambia have endorsed the UN resolution
and mapped national AI strategies aligned with human rights
 33

Bloc Positions
4) China & State‑Centric Bloc (China, Russia, Middle East
Autocracies)

This position prioritizes state-led governance and digital

sovereignty, emphasizing national control over AI development and
deployment. It advocates for leadership from Global South countries
to shape norms without endorsing binding international
frameworks. The stance highlights a focus on security-related AI
applications, including surveillance, military use, and critical
infrastructure management.

Policy Pointers:
China launched the Group of Friends on AI capacity-building
and its Global AI Governance Initiative, advocating for fairness
and inclusion via UN mechanisms.
Middle Eastern states deploy AI in military/security contexts
and opposed binding LAWS treaties in UN debates.
Russia aligned with consensus but upholds national autonomy
over international AI standards.
 34

Bloc Positions
5) Latin America Bloc (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Chile)

This stance emphasizes that human rights and social justice should
be the foundation of AI governance. It advocates for regional
harmonization of regulations to prevent a fragmented landscape of
national laws. The approach prioritizes inclusive and participatory
policymaking, ensuring meaningful involvement of civil society and
indigenous communities in shaping AI policies.

Policy Pointers:
Countries are promoting frameworks building on their social-
rights traditions, aligned with the Global Digital Compact.
Institutions like IDB and CEPAL are partnering with UN bodies
for regional policy coherence and technical support.
 35
UN Frameworks and
Current Documentation
The United Nations has taken consistent and increasingly urgent
steps to confront the threat of disinformation—an issue that
undermines public trust, democratic institutions, and the exercise of
human rights. Central to these efforts is the delicate balance
between combating false information and protecting core freedoms,
particularly the right to freedom of expression.

1) General Assembly Resolution A/RES/76/227

Countering Disinformation and the Promotion and Protection of
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
Adopted by consensus in 2021, this resolution recognizes
disinformation as a growing challenge to freedom of expression
and democratic integrity. It instructs the UN Secretary-General to
compile a comprehensive report on existing legal frameworks,
national strategies, and institutional best practices in addressing
disinformation. Importantly, it emphasizes that any measures taken
must align with international human rights law and avoid vague or
excessive restrictions that risk enabling censorship.

2) Secretary-General’s Report (August 2022)

Prepared in response to A/RES/76/227, the report provides a
working definition of disinformation and outlines principled
responses grounded in human rights. It encourages multi-
stakeholder approaches, prioritizing:
Support for independent and pluralistic media
Avoidance of overbroad legal limits
Investment in media and digital literacy
Strengthening fact-checking institutions
Promoting transparency and independent oversight mechanisms
 36
UN Frameworks and
Current Documentation
3) Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/RES/55/10 (2024)
Role of States in Countering the Negative Impact of
Disinformation on Human Rights

Unanimously adopted in 2024, this resolution reinforces state

responsibilities to counter disinformation through lawful, rights-
based measures. It underscores the necessity for integrated
strategies that enhance the integrity of information ecosystems
while protecting civil and political rights.

4) Secretary-General’s Policy Brief & Global Principles (June

2024)

Launched in mid-2024, the UN Global Principles for Information

Integrity provide a guiding framework for ethical responses to
disinformation in the digital age, especially amid rising AI-driven
content manipulation. Key endorsed principles include:
Fostering trust and resilience.
Ensuring pluralistic, independent media
Promoting transparent digital governance
Empowering citizens through education and access
Encouraging healthy information-sharing incentives
This document serves as a precursor to the forthcoming UN
Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms.
 37
UN Frameworks and
Current Documentation
5) “Our Common Agenda” & Code of Conduct

Preparations The policy brief Information Integrity on Digital

Platforms contributes to the groundwork for a future Code of
Conduct to be presented at the Summit of the Future. This
framework is built on commitments from governments, tech
companies, advertisers, and users to:

Refrain from spreading disinformation

Uphold transparency and human rights
Introduce rapid-response protocols
Encourage digital accountability

6) Multilateral Coordination: Group of Friends on Countering

Disinformation

Established in June 2022 and spearheaded by Pakistan, this

group facilitates cross-regional cooperation and best-practice
sharing among Member States. It promotes dialogue, capacity-
building, and coordinated responses to the disinformation
challenge.
 38
UN Frameworks and
Current Documentation
Quick Reference Table

Document Year Type Key Focus

General
Requests SG report, urges
Assembly GA
2021 balanced disinformation
Resolution Resolution
response
A/RES/76/227

Secretary- Legal frameworks, human-

2022 Report
General’s Report rights-based strategies

Human Rights
Council State obligations, lawful
HRC
Resolution 2024 and integrated counter-
Resolution
A/HRC/RES/55 disinformation strategies
/10

Global Principles AI risks, foundational

Policy
for Information 2024 framework for integrity and
Brief/PR
Integrity regulation

Commitments to
Code of Conduct
2023 – transparency, platform
Draft (in Policy Brief
24 responsibility, and public
progress)
oversight
 39

Past Action by the

United Nations
Over the last several years, the United Nations has systematically
addressed the global rise of disinformation. In 2021, the General
Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution A/RES/76/227,
recognizing disinformation as a significant threat to democratic
institutions and fundamental rights. This resolution led to the 2022
report by the Secretary-General, which emphasized a collaborative,
rights-based approach that avoids excessive regulation and
promotes freedom of expression.

In 2024, the Human Rights Council passed Resolution

A/HRC/RES/55/10, urging Member States to develop legally
sound and comprehensive frameworks to protect civil and political
rights while addressing the spread of false information. That same
year, the Secretary-General introduced the Global Principles for
Information Integrity—an ambitious set of guidelines focused on
digital platform regulation, media pluralism, and the prevention of
algorithmic distortion.

Alongside these institutional efforts, the establishment of the Group

of Friends on Countering Disinformation has played a key role in
fostering cooperation across regions and sharing effective counter-
disinformation models. Collectively, these initiatives reflect the UN’s
evolving strategy to counter disinformation in a manner consistent
with international law, democratic values, and truth-based
discourse.
 40

Questions A Resolution
Must Answer
How can the UN support Member States in developing
ethical and enforceable global frameworks to address the
misuse of artificial intelligence and disinformation, while
upholding freedom of expression and human rights?
What mechanisms can be established to regulate algorithmic
content amplification, synthetic media (deepfakes), and state-
sponsored disinformation campaigns during elections,
international crises, and diplomatic communications?
How can the UN ensure equitable access to AI resources,
preventing technological monopolies, and ensuring that low-
and middle-income countries are not excluded from global
governance decisions?
What multilateral partnerships and oversight bodies can be
created or strengthened to promote transparency, verify
information integrity, and regulate the use of AI in sensitive
areas such as surveillance, law enforcement, and political
campaigning?
How can the UN support Member States in developing
ethical and enforceable global frameworks to address the
misuse of artificial intelligence and disinformation, while
upholding freedom of expression and human rights?
What mechanisms can be established to regulate algorithmic
content amplification, synthetic media (deepfakes), and state-
sponsored disinformation campaigns during elections,
international crises, and diplomatic communications?
 41

Questions A Resolution
Must Answer
How can the UN ensure equitable access to AI resources,
preventing technological monopolies, and ensuring that low-
and middle-income countries are not excluded from global
governance decisions?
What multilateral partnerships and oversight bodies can be
created or strengthened to promote transparency, verify
information integrity, and regulate the use of AI in sensitive
areas such as surveillance, law enforcement, and political
campaigning?
In what ways can the proposed Global Digital Compact and
UN Code of Conduct for Information Integrity be aligned to
ensure AI development supports democratic governance,
information accuracy, and the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs)?
What education, media literacy, and diplomatic training
programs can the UN promote to build resilience against
disinformation and misuse of AI in both the public and
diplomatic spheres?
 42

Citations and Further

Reading
[Link] Global Digital Compact – June 2025 Summary Letter
[Link] Digital Compact on AI Systems – DataGuidance
[Link] News: Bridging the AI Divide
[Link] China Morning Post: China-led AI Resolution Digital
Strategy EU – UN Global Digital Compact
UN Global Digital Compact on AI
 43

Agenda II
Reforming the United Nations:
Expanding Permanent Representation in
the Security Council
 44
Letter from the Executive
Board
Dear Delegates, As we prepare to convene for the upcoming session of the United Nations
General Assembly, we draw your attention to the critical agenda under discussion:

Reforming the United Nations: Expanding Permanent Representation in the Security Council.”

This agenda is of immense historical and geopolitical importance, inviting rigorous analysis,
debate, and diplomatic negotiation.

Delegates are expected to approach this topic with a strong foundation of research and
contextual understanding. The question of Security Council reform is not a recent development —
it has been at the center of global discourse for decades. Delegates must familiarise themselves
with the structure of the current UNSC, the role and privileges of permanent members, past reform
proposals (such as the G4, Ezulwini Consensus, and the Uniting for Consensus group), and the
regional and political implications of potential expansion.

While you may use digital tools for general reference, we stress the importance of building your
arguments and proposals on verifiable sources, treaties, and historical precedent. Let your
statements reflect the complexity of international power dynamics, regional alliances, and the
challenges of achieving consensus within a system designed in a vastly different era.

Delegates may choose to prioritise specific reform models or regional perspectives in their
preparation, and are encouraged to maintain diplomatic flexibility during the sessions. The
geopolitical realities of today may necessitate nuanced and evolving positions. If any delegate
chooses to advocate for major shifts from their bloc’s traditional position, such a stance must be
substantiated with robust logic and a deep understanding of international negotiations.

This committee seeks not only to examine the feasibility of Security Council expansion, but also to
ask: who gets a voice, who holds power, and how should global leadership be redefined in the
21st century? Your role as delegates is to represent your nations with accuracy and vision,
contributing to a debate that has far-reaching consequences for international peace and security.

Should any clarifications or guidance be needed, please feel free to reach out to the Executive
Board. We look forward to thoughtful debate, strategic diplomacy, and outcomes that reflect the
collective ambition of the global community

Warm regards,
The Executive Board,
United Nations General Assembly

Navya Luhadia - Director

Vyoma Doshi - Assistant Director
Kalyani Krishnan - Moderator
 45

Key Terms
1) Security Council Reform: Structural and procedural changes to
increase effectiveness, fairness, and legitimacy through updated
membership and veto regulation.

2) Permanent Member (P5): Nations (US, UK, France, Russia, China)

holding lifelong Council seats and veto rights.

3) Veto Power: Each P5 can prevent the passage of any substantive

resolution by withholding consent.

4) Uniting for Peace: A mechanism enabling General Assembly action

when the Security Council is blocked by a veto.

5)Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN): UNGA forum hosting informal

negotiations on UNSC reform since 2008.

6) Uniting for Consensus (“Coffee Club”): States opposing permanent

expansion, advocating instead for more non-permanent seats.

7) Responsibility Not to Veto: P5-led voluntary pledge to refrain from

vetoing resolutions addressing genocide, war crimes, and crimes against
humanity.

8) Charter Amendment Process: Requires two-thirds UNGA majority and

ratification by two-thirds of member states—including all P5 under Article
108.

9) Geographic Equity: Principle that UNSC permanent membership

should reflect current global demographics, rising powers, and regional
balances.
 46
Introduction to the
agenda
The agenda, “Reforming the United Nations: Expanding Permanent
Representation in the Security Council,” addresses one of the deepest
legitimacy challenges facing the UN today. The Security Council
(UNSC), conceived in 1945, remains anchored in post–World War II
power structures. Its five permanent members (P5)—China, France,
Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—retain the
exclusive authority to veto substantive resolutions. This concentration
of power has sparked enduring concerns about equitable
representation, democratic legitimacy, and efficacy in responding to
contemporary crises.

As the world shifts—marked by the rise of influential middle powers in

Africa, Asia, and Latin America—many member states call for
structural reform of the UNSC. Proposals include expanding
permanent membership to reflect modern geopolitics and limiting or
abolishing the veto. This agenda invites delegates to assess
institutional evolution, geopolitical shifts, and pathways toward more
balanced representation.

Within the UNGA framework and especially the Intergovernmental

Negotiations (IGN) process, delegates have a principal role in
bridging divergent regional demands and P5 prerogatives. They are
empowered to draft recommendations on expanding permanent seats
—possibly without or with limited veto—and reforming veto usage.
While such recommendations are non-binding, they offer moral and
political grounding for eventual charter amendments.
 47
Introduction to the
agenda
This session aims to produce a comprehensive report outlining viable
reform models—especially those balancing inclusivity and decision-
making effectiveness. Delegates will debate whether new permanent
seats should come with full veto privileges, whether to institute a
“responsibility not to veto” in atrocity cases, or whether veto usage
should require multiple P5 concurrence. Through diplomatic
engagement and evidence-based negotiation, member states can
reinvigorate the UNSC’s capacity to address 21st-century security
challenges.
 48
Background of
agenda
1. Origins and P5 Establishment (1945–1965)

The Security Council was established at the 1945 UN Charter

Conference in San Francisco, with the P5 granted permanent seats
and veto rights to ensure their engagement in peacekeeping and
prevent another world war .

In 1946, the Soviet Union exercised the first veto, blocking a

resolution on Syria and Lebanon—setting a precedent for veto use
beyond military conflict to political matters . From 1946 to 1969, the
USSR cast the majority of vetoes (over 90%) .

The initial expansion from 11 to 15 total members in 1965 (adding

four non-permanent seats) was the only structural adjustment to date
—without altering permanent membership or veto rights .

2. Cold War Dynamics and Early Veto Limitation Models (1970–1990)

Through the Cold War, the veto became a geopolitical instrument.

The US frequently used it to shield allies (e.g., blocking calls over
Southern Rhodesia and Israel-related resolutions); the USSR and later
Russia used it to limit Western-led initiatives .

In 1950, the General Assembly introduced the “Uniting for Peace”

resolution, permitting bypassing the UNSC when vetoed—a critical
though rarely used mechanism .
 49
Background of
agenda
3. Post–Cold War and Rising Reform Pressure (1990s–2005)

After 1991, veto usage declined briefly but resurged. In 1996, the
US vetoed Boutros-Ghali’s reappointment, underlining continued
geopolitical influence.

Calls for reform intensified with the emergence of the “Coffee Club”
(later Uniting for Consensus) in 1995, advocating increased non-
permanent seats over more permanent members .

Between 2005 and 2010, discussions under the IGN framework

began addressing both enlargement and veto restraint, though no
consensus emerged.

4. Humanitarian Crises & Veto Misuse (2006–2015)

High-profile failures—Rwanda (1994 aftermath) and Syria (2011

onward)—revealed the veto’s limitations: Russia and China
repeatedly blocked action on Syria (e.g., 14 and 7 vetoes
respectively since 2011) .

In 2015, France and Mexico introduced the “Political Declaration on

Suspension of Veto in Cases of Mass Atrocity,” with over 100 states
pledging restraint—but the P5 largely did not participate .
 50
Background of
agenda
5. Renewed Reform Momentum (2016–2022)

In 2019, António Guterres called for a more inclusive UNSC. The

war in Ukraine (2022) brought the veto debate into sharp focus when
Russia’s veto triggered the first “Uniting for Peace” since 1982 .

In April 2022, UNGA passed Resolution 76/262 requiring P5

members to justify their vetoes publicly—though veto usage remained
unchanged .

6. Current Status (2023–2025)

The 2023 IGN debates spotlighted aspirant countries—India, Brazil,

Germany, Japan, South Africa, Nigeria—and the quest for equitable
geographic representation .

In 2024, the US declared support for permanent seats for India,

Japan, Germany, and two African countries—but declined to extend
veto rights .

Major Veto misuse examples: 2022–23 Russian vetoes on Ukraine

and Syria; US vetoes related to Gaza crises .

Despite widespread agreement on reform necessity, procedural

hurdles—requiring charter amendments with P5 ratification—persist
 51

Background to the
Agenda
BRIEF TIMELINE

Year Highlight

1945 UNSC created – P5 seats + veto entrenched

1946 First veto by USSR on Syria/Lebanon

1965 Council expands to 15 members (non-permanent seats)

1995 Formation of “Coffee Club” / Uniting for Consensus

1996 US vetoes Boutros-Ghali

2011–2020 Syria crisis veto deadlock (Russia & China)

2015 Political Declaration to suspend veto in atrocities

Ukraine war prompts “Uniting for Peace”; veto justification

2022
GA resolution

2024 US supports new permanent seats (sans veto)

2025 Ongoing IGN talks; continued veto usage in Gaza, Ukraine

 52
Background of
agenda
P5 Evolution & Veto Debate

P5 Origins: Created to reflect WWII power dynamics, each

granted veto to maintain unity .
Veto Utility: Prevented undesirable collective action—Cold War
standoff, nuclear deterrence coordination .
Veto Misuse: Shielded allies and blocked humanitarian actions—
eg. US (Israel), Russia/China (Syria, Ukraine), France/UK (Suez,
Comoros) .
Calls for Change: Proposals range from eliminating veto,
requiring multi-P5 concurrence, setting atrocity thresholds
(“responsibility not to veto”), to relocating veto to regional
bodies.
Reform Barriers: Charter amendment requires P5 approval—
effectively a veto on reform itself .
Recent Measures: 76/262 resolution enhances transparency but
hasn’t reduced veto frequency .
 53

UNGA INVOLVEMENT
The discussion surrounding the reform of the United Nations Security
Council, particularly the expansion of its permanent membership,
remains a focal issue for the UNGA. Established in 1945, the UNSC
currently consists of 15 members—five of whom are permanent (the
P5): the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Russian
Federation, and the People’s Republic of China. These five nations
wield disproportionate influence, especially through the exclusive right
to exercise the veto. The current composition was reflective of the
geopolitical balance following the Second World War, yet in today’s
multipolar world, many argue that this structure lacks both regional
representation and democratic legitimacy.

A central point of contention is whether the number of permanent

seats should be expanded to include emerging global powers such as
India, Brazil, Germany, Japan (the G4), and at least one permanent
representative from Africa. These nations have demonstrated
consistent contributions to peacekeeping, international diplomacy,
and global development. However, any reform that involves changes
to permanent membership requires broad consensus, including the
approval of the current P5—some of whom remain cautious or
opposed to such changes, citing concerns over balance of power,
effectiveness, and national interests.
 54

UNGA INVOLVEMENT
The UNGA plays a vital role in facilitating this global debate,
particularly through the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN), which
is tasked with addressing the five key clusters of UNSC reform,
including the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats.
The Assembly provides all 193 member states with an equal voice to
articulate concerns, propose frameworks for reform, and recommend
equitable models for future representation. Delegates are privileged to
influence the future structure of the Council by advocating for greater
inclusivity, regional balance, and accountability. As calls grow for a
Security Council that truly reflects 21st-century realities, it is incumbent
upon the UNGA to steer this debate towards constructive and
actionable outcomes.
 55
Current Affairs
1) The Reform Framework: Intergovernmental Negotiations

Security Council reform is currently being pursued through the

Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) framework, a General
Assembly-led process established in 2005. Negotiations focus on five
key areas: categories of membership, regional representation, the
veto question, working methods, and the Council’s relationship with
the General Assembly. The Pact for the Future explicitly commits
Member States to “immediately continue” these discussions,
reaffirming the centrality of Security Council reform in restoring trust
in multilateral governance.

2) Pact for the Future: A Turning Point

The Pact for the Future represents the most significant global
consensus on Council reform in decades. By pledging to reinvigorate
a “just, democratic, equitable, and representative” multilateral
system, the Pact has emboldened Member States to push for tangible
progress. Its adoption has served as a political catalyst, transforming
long-standing rhetoric into actionable ambition.

3) G4 Nations' Push for Expansion

Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan—the G4 nations—have reiterated

their call for expansion in both permanent and non-permanent
categories. With growing economic and strategic influence, these
countries argue that their exclusion from permanent membership
undermines the Council’s legitimacy. At a September 2024 meeting
during the 79th UNGA session, G4 ministers described reform as
“essential” to global equity and effective multilateralism.
 56
Current Affairs
4) US Backs African Permanent Seats and SIDS Representation

Marking a major shift in policy, the United States announced support

for two new permanent seats for African nations. Ambassador Linda
Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the outdated nature of the Council’s
current composition, pointing out that Africa, once represented by
only two independent countries in 1945, now accounts for 53 UN
member states. The US has also endorsed a non-permanent seat for
Small Island Developing States (SIDS), reflecting increasing attention
to the unique security threats these nations face due to climate
change and transnational crime.

5) African Union’s Common Position

Africa’s campaign for permanent representation has been

spearheaded by the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10), which
has called for two permanent seats—with full veto rights—and five
additional non-permanent ones. This stance, known as the Common
African Position and codified in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte
Declaration, underscores the continent’s demand for equity in global
decision-making. Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has
called Africa’s exclusion “a historical anomaly,” reinforcing the
continent’s commitment through the C-10’s recently endorsed 25th
report.
 57
Current Affairs
6) Uniting for Consensus: Alternative Vision

In contrast, the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group—led by Italy and

including members like Pakistan, South Korea, and Argentina—
opposes permanent membership expansion. Instead, they propose
increasing non-permanent seats from 10 to 20, some with extended
terms and re-election rights. Their March 2024 model advocates
equitable regional representation and limits on veto use, arguing that
adding permanent members would entrench inequality and dilute
accountability.

7) L.69 Group’s Cross-Regional Demand

The L.69 Group, a coalition of 42 developing nations across Africa,

Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific, strongly supports both
permanent and non-permanent expansion. Citing deep imbalances in
the Council’s structure, the group calls for reforms that reflect today’s
geopolitical realities and enable broader participation in global
peace and security decisions.

8) The Veto Conundrum

One of the biggest roadblocks to reform remains the veto. Under the
UN Charter, amendments require approval from all five permanent
members—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US. This gives any
one of them the power to stall reform efforts. Recent joint vetoes by
Russia and China on critical issues, including Syria and North Korea,
have only amplified concerns about the Council’s paralysis.
 58
Current Affairs
9) Charter Amendment Challenges

Reforming the Council’s structure would require a two-thirds majority

in the General Assembly and ratification by two-thirds of Member
States, including all P5 members. These procedural hurdles have
contributed to decades of inertia, despite growing consensus on the
need for change.

10) Regional Rivalries

Geopolitical tensions between rival states have further complicated

reform talks. Italy and Germany, Pakistan and India, Argentina and
Brazil—each pair features prominently in the G4 vs. UfC divide.
These rivalries have hindered consensus and created deep-seated
divisions, stalling forward momentum despite shared frustrations with
the status quo.

11) Encouraging Trends: Text-Based Negotiations and SIDS

Recognition

A new wave of optimism has emerged around text-based

negotiations. Countries like India have urged IGN Co-Chairs to move
from abstract discussions to drafting a "zero text" that captures
converging viewpoints. Meanwhile, recognition of Small Island
Developing States’ contributions and vulnerabilities has grown. Only
six SIDS have held non-permanent seats in the past 25 years—
prompting calls for institutional mechanisms that ensure their
consistent representation.
 59
Bloc Positions
1) The G4 Nations
Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan—form a cohesive bloc
advocating for the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent
seats in the UN Security Council. Their central demand is the
inclusion of new permanent members with equal responsibilities and
privileges, including veto power. The G4 also calls for greater
representation of underrepresented regions such as Africa, Asia-
Pacific, and Latin America. As a compromise, India has proposed
that new permanent members could voluntarily refrain from using the
veto for the first 15 years. The bloc strongly supports the African
Union’s Ezulwini Consensus, which demands full veto rights for
Africa's permanent seats.

2) The African Union

Through the Ezulwini Consensus, presents one of the most unified

positions on Council reform. It seeks two permanent and two non-
permanent seats for African states, emphasizing the need for full veto
power to avoid second-class membership. This position is justified by
the fact that over 60% of the Council’s agenda concerns Africa, yet
the continent lacks permanent representation. The AU frames this
exclusion as a historical injustice and has recently gained support
from key actors, including the United States, though not yet with full
veto backing.
 60
Bloc Positions
3) The Uniting for Consensus (UfC) Group
Led by countries such as Italy, Pakistan, Mexico, and South Korea,
opposes any expansion of permanent membership. Instead, it
advocates for enlarging the Council solely through non-permanent
seats, potentially increasing the total to 25–26 members. Their model
includes longer-term, rotating regional seats aimed at enhancing
inclusivity without creating new entrenched powers. The UfC also
emphasizes reforming the Council’s working methods—calling for
more transparency, accountability, and limitations on the use of veto
power by the current permanent members.

4) The L.69 Group

Comprising 42 developing countries across Africa, Latin America,

the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific, is a strong proponent of
comprehensive reform. It supports expansion in both categories of
membership and seeks to correct the imbalance in global
governance by pushing for greater representation of the Global
South. Formed during the initiation of the Inter-Governmental
Negotiations process, the group views its efforts as essential for
making the Council reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities.

5) The Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

38 UN member states from the Caribbean, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian

Ocean, and South China Sea regions—have increasingly advocated
for dedicated representation on the Security Council. Recognizing
their heightened vulnerability to climate change and their unique
geopolitical concerns, they seek formal inclusion in global decision-
making. Recent proposals, particularly from the United States, have
included the idea of a non-permanent seat specifically for SIDS,
acknowledging their growing importance in international affairs.
 61
Bloc Positions
3) Several informal opposition groups
Often referred to as the “Coffee Club,” have emerged in response to
specific G4 candidacies. These include Pakistan and Turkey opposing
India; Italy and Spain opposing Germany; Argentina, Mexico, and
Colombia opposing Brazil; and China and South Korea opposing
Japan. These states generally resist individual permanent seats and
instead favor rotational or regional approaches to representation.
Such opposition reflects deeper geopolitical rivalries and complicates
the path to consensus.
 62
Past And Current
Paperwork
The United Nations has increasingly acknowledged the pressing need
for global coordination in addressing the ethical implications of
artificial intelligence. While no binding resolution specific to AI
governance has been adopted under the UN General Assembly thus
far, a series of foundational initiatives has shaped the current global
discourse.

In 2021, UNESCO adopted the Recommendation on the Ethics of

Artificial Intelligence, marking the first universal normative framework
on AI ethics. Endorsed by all 193 Member States, it articulates
guiding principles such as transparency, accountability, data
protection, and human-centric innovation, firmly rooted in
international human rights standards.

That same year, the Secretary-General’s landmark report “Our

Common Agenda” (A/75/982) called for a Global Digital Compact-
a comprehensive framework expected to include AI governance
provisions grounded in global equity and legal safeguards. Building
on this, the 2023 UN Policy Brief on Artificial Intelligence and Global
Governance emphasized the need for coordinated regulatory
approaches and identified risks such as surveillance, algorithmic
discrimination, and power asymmetries in data access
 63
Past And Current
Paperwork
TIn response to these concerns, the Secretary-General convened a
High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence in 2023.
Comprising international experts, this body released an interim report
in 2024, recommending the development of a non-binding Global
Framework for AI Governance, consistent with existing international
legal standards. The report called for harmonized oversight
mechanisms, inclusive data-sharing practices, and the promotion of AI
aligned with the public good.

Simultaneously, other UN entities such as the International

Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have actively contributed to
the AI ethics debate. The ITU has hosted high-level forums such as AI
for Good, exploring how AI can advance the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). Meanwhile, OHCHR has published
analyses on AI’s intersection with human rights, spotlighting
algorithmic bias, surveillance, and digital inequality.

These collective initiatives are expected to culminate at the Summit of

the Future (September 2024), where the Global Digital Compact will
likely institutionalize many of these recommendations, providing a
roadmap for responsible AI innovation and multilateral cooperation.
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Past Action
TThe United Nations has advanced the international AI governance
agenda through a sequence of progressive, rights-centered actions.
The UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
(2021) serves as a foundational document, offering a globally agreed
ethical framework that has influenced national AI strategies, legislative
proposals, and corporate responsibility norms. Although non-binding,
its wide endorsement has significantly shaped global expectations
around ethical AI development.

To address growing governance gaps, the UN Secretary-General

established the High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence in
2023. The group has since convened leading AI scholars,
policymakers, and technologists to craft policy guidance focused on
risk mitigation, algorithmic equity, and inclusive digital innovation. Its
2024 interim findings have reinforced the need for coordinated
international standards and emphasized the development of AI that
serves public interest objectives.

Parallel efforts by other UN entities have supported this momentum.

The ITU has hosted global AI summits focused on innovation for
sustainable development, while the OHCHR has raised critical
concerns about AI-related threats to civil liberties, particularly in
contexts involving surveillance, automated decision-making, and
systemic discrimination. These institutions have helped frame AI not
merely as a technological tool, but as a complex socio-political
challenge demanding rights-based governance.
 65

Past Action
Parallel efforts by other UN entities have supported this momentum.
The ITU has hosted global AI summits focused on innovation for
sustainable development, while the OHCHR has raised critical
concerns about AI-related threats to civil liberties, particularly in
contexts involving surveillance, automated decision-making, and
systemic discrimination. These institutions have helped frame AI not
merely as a technological tool, but as a complex socio-political
challenge demanding rights-based governance.
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Questions A Resolution
Must Answer
1. How can the UN support Member States in developing ethical
and enforceable global frameworks to address the misuse of
artificial intelligence and disinformation, while upholding
freedom of expression and human rights?
2. What mechanisms can be established to regulate algorithmic
content amplification, synthetic media (deepfakes), and state-
sponsored disinformation campaigns during elections,
international crises, and diplomatic communications?
3. How can the UN ensure equitable access to AI resources,
preventing technological monopolies, and ensuring that low- and
middle-income countries are not excluded from global
governance decisions?
4. What multilateral partnerships and oversight bodies can be
created or strengthened to promote transparency, verify
information integrity, and regulate the use of AI in sensitive areas
such as surveillance, law enforcement, and political
campaigning?
5. In what ways can the proposed Global Digital Compact and UN
Code of Conduct for Information Integrity be aligned to ensure AI
development supports democratic governance, information
accuracy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
6. What education, media literacy, and diplomatic training
programs can the UN promote to build resilience against
disinformation and misuse of AI in both the public and diplomatic
spheres?
 67
Citations and Further
Reading
1) UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
(2021)
UNESCO AI Ethics Recommendation

2) UN Secretary-General’s “Our Common Agenda” (A/75/982, 2021)

Our Common Agenda - UN Report

3) High-Level Advisory Body on AI – Interim Report (2024)

UN High-Level Advisory Body on AI

4) UN Policy Brief: A.I. and Global Governance (2023)

Digital Strategy Brief: UN Policy on AI Governance

5) OHCHR Report on Artificial Intelligence & Human Rights (2023)

OHCHR AI and Human Rights Report

6) ITU AI for Good Global Summit

ITU AI for Good Initiative

7) UN Global Digital Compact Draft & Summit of the Future (2024)

UN Global Digital Compact
Letter from Co-Facilitators – June 2025
Aim. Believe. Achieve.

#hfsmun2025