United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on countries with the greatest artificial intelligence capabilities to open dialogue on the future of the technology and its potential risks.

Guterres made the call during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where artificial intelligence has emerged as one of the major issues under discussion.

He urged leading AI powers to establish mechanisms for communication, transparency and cooperation, drawing a comparison with engagement between strategic rivals during the Cold War.

“Governments with the greatest AI capabilities have the greatest responsibilities to humanity, to establish channels for dialogue, transparency, trust and cooperation,” Guterres said.

“At a pivotal moment during the Cold War, strategic rivals came to recognise the need to manage shared existential risks.”

The appeal comes as the United States and China discuss creating a communication channel for addressing AI-related concerns ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The two countries are competing for technological leadership while also facing concerns about the risks associated with increasingly advanced AI systems. Reuters reported that discussions on AI risks between Washington and Beijing are taking place alongside broader efforts to manage their technological and economic rivalry.

Guterres had already warned ahead of the General Assembly that AI development was moving faster than understanding of its risks, calling for international coordination and stronger safeguards.

AI governance has become a significant focus of the UN’s 81st session, which is being held from September 18 to 28, with the general debate taking place from September 22.

Ahead of the high-level meetings in New York, leaders from more than 20 countries called for binding safety measures for advanced AI, warning that technological development could outpace efforts to control its risks. The United States and China were not among the signatories.

Trump has opposed additional AI safety measures, saying he would not allow what he described as unjustified concerns to lead to the “destruction” of the AI industry. Reuters reported that he reiterated his opposition to new AI regulation during his UN address on Tuesday.

China’s Xi, meanwhile, said in July that AI development should not be controlled by a single country and called for greater international cooperation.

The renewed discussions also follow a meeting between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese officials on Sunday, during which both sides discussed trade and artificial intelligence.

Bessent described the engagement with Chinese officials as “very successful”, saying the discussions included greater communication on AI threats. The meeting lasted about eight hours and involved Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US trade representative Jamieson Greer.

The talks are expected to contribute to discussions on trade, AI and other issues ahead of a meeting between the leaders of the United States and China.