New York, July 01 (QNA) - The first report issued by a UN independent scientific panel on artificial intelligence affirmed that the rapid advancement of this technology offers significant benefits to countries and societies.

However, the report noted that this technology carries grave risks that require strengthening governance and oversight mechanisms.

Slated to be presented during the first United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva on July 6-7, 2026, the report noted that AI is witnessing widespread and uneven global adoption.

It added that over one billion people using conversational AI applications weekly, while developing countries continue to lag in adopting these technologies.

The report further pointed out that the potential benefits of AI are enormous, however, the rapid and unregulated deployment of this technology may pose risks related to mental health, security, human rights, and social cohesion, in addition to the growing use of deepfakes and misleading content.

The report noted that AI development is largely concentrated in a limited number of countries, with the United States accounting for 75% of the computing power of the world's largest AI systems, compared to 15% for China. It stressed that most countries lack the technical know-how required to assess advanced models and participate effectively in their governance.

The study clarified that the panel's work focuses on seven key areas, including AI science and future developments, its societal applications in health, education, and agriculture, economic impacts, as well as security and environmental implications, and its effects on human rights, information integrity, and democracy.

This is alongside issues of cultural and individual flourishing, autonomy, and child safety, as well as AI governance, management, and trustworthiness, the report reads.

It clarified that this preliminary document represents the beginning of the panel's work, which will continue to expand the scientific evidence base through consultations and collaboration with the scientific community.

This comes through preparing specialized papers on emerging and rapidly evolving issues, with its next annual report to be submitted to the second session of this dialogue scheduled to be held in New York in May 2027. (QNA)