In a landmark move for global AI governance, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the formation of a new Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. Among the 40 distinguished members selected from over 2,600 global candidates, two prominent Chinese scientists have been appointed for a three-year term.
Song HaiTAO, President of the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Wang Qian, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and cloud computing expert, represent China’s growing influence in AI research. Their inclusion underscores the panel’s commitment to geographical diversity and multidisciplinary expertise.
The selection process was rigorous, involving independent reviews by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies, and UNESCO. Guterres emphasized the panel’s balanced composition, highlighting its geographic spread and gender equilibrium.
“We now have a multidisciplinary, globally leading team of AI experts who are geographically diverse and gender-balanced,” Guterres stated. “They will provide independent, evidence-based assessments of AI’s opportunities, risks, and impacts, while supporting new global AI governance dialogues.”
This panel arrives at a critical juncture as AI technologies reshape economies, societies, and international relations. Experts anticipate the group will play a pivotal role in shaping ethical frameworks and regulatory standards for AI worldwide.
The appointments signal China’s deepening engagement in multilateral AI discussions, positioning its scientists at the forefront of international efforts to harness AI’s potential while mitigating its risks. As the world grapples with AI’s rapid evolution—from autonomous systems to generative models—this diverse panel promises rigorous, impartial analysis to guide policymakers.