What happened
The UN Office for Partnerships released (Sept 23, 2026) a convenings report distilling four global dialogues — Cairo, Mexico City, Xi'an and Rome, held June–September 2026 — that asked 'what does it mean to be human in the age of AI?' with more than 130 leaders across government, science, faith, business, the arts, Indigenous communities and universities. Foreworded by Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, it argues 'more human input to AI systems will not automatically produce more humane technology' and introduces concepts such as 'never-skilling,' where 'a capability is displaced before a person has ever formed it.' The report frames human development — agency, trust, culture, dignity — as the third lens on AI alongside capability and governance, building on the Independent International Scientific Panel and Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
Why it matters
Offers board-level and diplomatic framing for the societal-risk side of AI that goes beyond regulation and capability — useful context for questions of AI's long-term impact on workforce, trust and social cohesion in stakeholder and sustainability reporting.
Action needed
Use the report's human-development framing to stress-test AI strategy against non-financial, human-capability risks (erosion of skills, agency, trust).