The UAE has reinforced its active role in international discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) governance through its participation in the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS), hosted by NOVA University in Lisbon, Portugal, during July.
Engineer Mohammed Salem, the UAE’s Alternate Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), presented a specialised research paper examining how AI is reshaping global governance. The study proposed a framework that would enable international organisations to harness advanced technological expertise while ensuring that sovereign decision-making authority remains firmly in the hands of individual states.
The research was presented at a significant moment for global AI governance, coinciding with the release of the first report by the United Nations’ Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. It also preceded the inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance held in Geneva, reflecting the growing international momentum towards developing comprehensive governance frameworks and strengthening multilateral cooperation in the rapidly evolving field.
According to the study, the proposed framework aligns closely with the institutional approach currently being advanced by the United Nations, while also reflecting governance principles that have guided international civil aviation for decades. The research highlights the importance of balancing technological innovation with national sovereignty, ensuring that AI can be deployed responsibly within an internationally coordinated framework.
The findings are also consistent with the UAE’s continued commitment to supporting international dialogue on emerging technologies and contributing to the development of governance frameworks that promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Through its active engagement in multilateral initiatives, the UAE continues to support international efforts aimed at advancing cooperation and establishing effective governance mechanisms for the technologies of the future.
