UN Rights Council Adopts AI Resolution

The United Nations Human Rights Council has unanimously adopted its first resolution specifically addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on the promotion and protection of human rights, marking a significant step in the UN’s evolving debate over AI governance.

The resolution, titled “Impact of artificial intelligence on the promotion and protection of human rights,” was adopted during the Council’s ongoing 63rd session in Geneva on Tuesday, October 6.

The initiative was presented by a core group of eight countries led by Bangladesh. The group comprises Algeria, Austria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Greece, Guyana, Kuwait and Nepal.

The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in Geneva announced the development in a statement on Tuesday.

The resolution seeks to promote a balanced, forward-looking and human rights-centred approach to artificial intelligence. It recognizes AI’s significant potential to support development and innovation while addressing its evolving implications for the promotion and protection of human rights.

Under the guidance of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in Geneva served as the penholder for the resolution. On behalf of the core group, it first presented the initiative at the Human Rights Council’s pre-session meeting in August 2026.

Since then, Bangladesh has worked closely with other members of the core group and conducted open, inclusive and constructive consultations with delegations and relevant stakeholders.

While presenting the draft resolution, Bangladesh noted that artificial intelligence is becoming a powerful driver of rapid transformation across societies and institutions.

It stressed that the continued development and use of AI should remain consistent with international human rights law. Human dignity and people’s ability to make their own decisions should remain central considerations in the development and deployment of the technology.

The resolution also places particular emphasis on development, inclusion, international cooperation, capacity-building and the meaningful participation of developing countries.

A key element of the resolution is its call for broader access to the benefits of emerging technologies. It highlights the importance of international cooperation, technical assistance, knowledge and scientific exchange, technology access and capacity-building, particularly for developing countries.

The unanimous adoption of the resolution is being viewed as an important milestone in the Human Rights Council’s engagement with the rapidly evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and human rights.

It also reflects Bangladesh’s growing engagement in multilateral diplomacy and its participation in international discussions on emerging global issues, particularly those at the intersection of technology, development and human rights.

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