UAE expert named to UN’s first independent global scientific panel on AI

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced on Thursday that he has submitted to the General Assembly a proposed list of 40 leading international experts from across the globe as part of preparations to establish the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence. He said the initiative represents a decisive step toward ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. The list included Tuka Alhanai of the United Arab Emirates.

Tuka Alhanae, Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering, NYU Abu Dhabi

Speaking at United Nations Headquarters, Guterres said the creation of the panel directly fulfills a mandate from Member States under the Pact for the Future, which seeks to reinforce multilateral approaches to emerging technologies that are increasingly shaping every aspect of human life.

He said the panel will be the world’s first fully independent global scientific body focused on closing knowledge gaps around artificial intelligence and evaluating its real-world economic and societal effects. Guterres emphasized that the need for such a scientific mechanism is more urgent than ever, given the extraordinary pace of AI development.

Guterres said that artificial intelligence is reshaping the world at an accelerating pace, adding that the proposed panel will help separate facts from misinformation and sound science from unreliable content. According to Guterres, it will serve as a trusted and impartial reference at a time when accurate knowledge about AI has never been more critical.

According to the UN, the panel’s members were selected through a global open call that drew more than 2,600 nominations. The proposed roster includes experts with extensive experience across diverse fields, including machine learning, data governance, public health, cybersecurity, child development, and human rights.

He stressed that all members will serve in their personal capacities and operate independently of governments, companies, or institutions. He also said the panel will work on an accelerated schedule, with its first report expected in time to inform the global dialogue on artificial intelligence governance planned for July.