Philippines urges rapid, enforceable AI governance amid equity concerns

Maria Teresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, warned the General Assembly that artificial intelligence "presents profound and systemic risks" if left without "robust governance and enforceable ethical standards."

She urged immediate action to close gaps in digital infrastructure, computing resources and technical expertise so developing countries "are not left behind," and argued that AI should "uplift the vulnerable, strengthen national resilience, promote gender equality, and foster human-centered partnerships." Lazaro said advanced capabilities must not pose "unacceptable risks to human lives, human rights or democratic integrity."

The remarks linked AI governance to broader development goals: she said frontier technologies can accelerate sustainable development if responsibly harnessed, but without legal guard rails they could deepen inequalities and become an "existential challenge." No specific treaty or binding instrument was proposed during the address.