UN Convenes Thought Leaders in Asia to Shape the Future of AI and Human Development

Xi'an, China, 21 August 2026 — The United Nations brought together global thought leaders, policymakers, technologists, academics and cultural leaders in Xi'an, China, on 20–21 August for the third convening in a global dialogue series examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping human civilization and human development.

The gathering is convened under the leadership of United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, in collaboration with the Government of China and the United Nations Secretariat and builds on previous dialogues held in Cairo and Mexico City. 

“We have heard voices on AI from across Africa and Latin America, and now we bring Asia’s histories, experiences and values into a global conversation,” said Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.

Hosted in Xi'an, one of the great crossroads of human civilization and the historic starting point of the Silk Road, participants explored how advances in embodied AI and robotics are transforming the relationship between humans and machines and raising new questions about society, learning, culture and the future of development.

“The discussions in Cairo and Mexico City also warned us against romanticising ‘humanity’. More human input to AI systems will not automatically produce more humane technology,” the Deputy Secretary-General stressed.

As artificial intelligence increasingly moves beyond screens and into the physical world through robotics and other embodied systems, participants reflected on the implications for education, human relationships, trust, creativity and community life. Discussions also examined how technological innovation can remain grounded in human dignity, cultural diversity and shared values.

The gathering provided space for open and forward-looking exchanges on both the opportunities and challenges presented by the next generation of AI technologies, and on how emerging innovations can advance human development while remaining anchored in shared values and human dignity.

AI and Human Development Series

The AI and Human Development convenings are part of a global conversation that will move from region to region and culminate at the United Nations, our global town hall, during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Hosted in locations of historical and cultural significance, the series creates space for reflection on how technological change intersects with the evolution of societies, institutions, human values and relationships.

The Xi'an convening spotlighted the frontier of embodied AI and robotics, examining how intelligent systems that increasingly act in the physical world may affect education, work, culture and sustainable development. Participants explored how advances in AI can contribute to human flourishing while safeguarding human agency, trust and social cohesion.

The series builds on the Secretary-General's Global Dialogue on AI Governance and will inform key global processes leading to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, including discussions related to the Pact for the Future, the UN Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, and broader efforts to strengthen international cooperation on AI governance.

Following convenings in Cairo, Mexico City and Xi'an, the series will continue in Rome before culminating in New York during UNGA81. In 2027, the initiative will expand to support country-led, community-based dialogues worldwide in the lead-up to the SDG Summit.

About the UN Office for Partnerships

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Media Contact

Francyne Harrigan, UN Office for Partnerships | E: harriganf@un.org | M: +1 917 209 6320

Peiling Gan, Resident Coordinator Office, Beijing, China | E: peiling.gan@un.org