In July 2026, Geneva will host the first Global Dialogue on AI governance, a forum established by the United Nations to discuss the opportunities, risks, and impacts of artificial intelligence. The event marks a shift toward more structured global coordination on AI risks and safety, according to the Geneva School of Diplomacy.
Overview
The forum comes at a time when AI adoption has expanded across industries, making it a critical global issue requiring UN-led governance and coordination. Dr. Athar Sultan-Khan at the Geneva School of Diplomacy notes that the event presents an opportunity to build shared governance frameworks on AI, particularly in diplomacy, where AI can support efficiency gains and simplify processes.
What AI can do in diplomacy
AI offers concrete benefits for diplomats, government departments, embassies, and think tanks. Speed, data analysis, and pattern recognition can help differentiate those negotiating peace settlements or trade agreements. AI can act as a source of always-on intelligence, monitoring evolving scenarios to support diplomatic positioning in real time.
One practical example is translation. In March 2026, the UN International Court of Justice began recruiting for a Translation Technologist to lead AI adoption and oversee integration of language technology into translator workflows. However, AI often lacks the understanding of nuance required for crucial discussions without human oversight.
Risks and limitations
While AI can enhance decision-making, it also risks stifling progress and accelerating conflict if it removes human judgment from fragile negotiations. Large language models come with bias, risks of unnecessary escalation, and lack the cultural nuance that comes from being a seasoned operator.
Security, safeguarding, and confidentiality present additional risks, particularly in diplomatic contexts where sensitive information is discussed. Diplomats are already accustomed to digital risk and secure communications in cyber diplomacy. AI presents a new challenge, and its presence in classified discussions must be guided by clear governance on acceptable use, security standards, and human accountability.
Multiple aspects of diplomacy require expertise and experience that cannot be automated. Relationship building and negotiation skills are taught over many years, as is the ability to monitor and respond to the room in real time, leaning on important context. While LLMs and private models can interpret and respond to masses of data, lived experience shapes the differences between delegations and feeds the differing worldviews that drive productive discussions. Diversity in perception and opinion is what makes successful negotiations.
Access and capacity gaps
Access and capacity gaps between the Global North and Global South mean that AI could further widen divides. Discussions are needed on how members of the Global South can be supported by AI in their development, such as in language inclusion, and work should be done to ensure fair representation in governance discussions.
Bottom line
AI has a role as a tool to support research efforts and streamline processes, and it is already playing this role. But judgment, trust building, and other tasks at the core of diplomacy cannot be automated. The line between assistance and dependence is blurring, but it is integral that diplomats do not lose the skills they have honed over many years.