UN General Assembly resolution 78/265 on safe, secure and trustworthy AI: requirements, deadlines and compliance actions
UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/78/265: Seizing the opportunities of safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for sustainable development (21 March 2024)
What is UN General Assembly resolution 78/265 on safe, secure and trustworthy AI?
The first General Assembly resolution on AI, adopted by consensus with more than 120 co-sponsors, encourages states to promote safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems that respect human rights and advance the Sustainable Development Goals, to close digital divides, and to develop governance frameworks and interoperable safeguards; it calls on companies to act responsibly. It was followed by resolution A/RES/79/325 (August 2025) establishing an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance under the Global Digital Compact.
Who does it apply to?
Recommendatory; addressed to member states, the UN system and stakeholders.
- Sectors
- Cross-sector / all sectors
- AI use cases
- AI in public services
When do the requirements apply?
2024-03-21: A/RES/78/265 adopted; 2024-09-22: Global Digital Compact; 2025-08-26: A/RES/79/325 creates the scientific panel and global dialogue.
Dates are taken from the linked official source; a reviewer should confirm in-force and application dates before relying on them.
Official sources
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A/RES/78/265
United Nations General Assembly · 21 Mar 2024 · Tier 1 source
Change history
Record version 1: Added in the September 2026 global coverage expansion from the official source listed; reviewer to confirm dates, status and scope against the source text.. Full edit history is in the GitHub repository.
Informational only, not legal advice. Verify every claim against the linked official sources and consult qualified counsel before acting.