Civil society groups call for stronger participation in UN AI governance dialogue
More than 40 organisations have urged UN member states to ensure meaningful multistakeholder participation in the Global Dialogue on AI governance.
A group of civil society organisations has issued a joint letter calling for stronger and more structured participation in the United Nations Global Dialogue on AI governance.
The letter, addressed to the co-chairs of the process representing El Salvador and Estonia, responds to ongoing preparations for the Dialogue, which forms part of broader UN efforts to address artificial intelligence governance under the Global Digital Compact.
Signatories, including organisations such as Access Now, ARTICLE 19, and Global Network Initiative, argue that inclusive participation is necessary to ensure legitimacy and effectiveness in decision-making on AI.
The letter emphasises that governments have already committed, through UN resolutions and frameworks, to open and inclusive discussions on digital governance. It highlights that participation from civil society, the private sector, academia, and technical communities is essential to reflect diverse perspectives and societal impacts.
Among the proposals are clearer formats for stakeholder engagement, dedicated mechanisms to support civil society participation, and improved transparency in how inputs are reflected in outcomes. The organisations also call for practical measures, such as financial and logistical support, to enable participation from underrepresented groups and regions.
The signatories further recommend that outcomes of the Dialogue be integrated into existing international processes, including the Internet Governance Forum, to ensure continuity in global digital policy discussions.
