PRESS RELEASE

Reimagining Artificial Intelligence and Human Development
UN Convenes Leaders in Mexico for Second International Gathering

MEXICO CITY, 24 July 2026 – The United Nations brought together AI thought leaders in Mexico City on 23–24 July for the second convening in a global dialogue series examining how one of humanity’s most transformative technologies is reshaping human progress.

Convened under the leadership of United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, the gathering is organized by the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP), in collaboration with the Government of Mexico and builds on the inaugural convening held in Cairo in June 2026.

“Today humanity stands before a powerful new form of intelligence of its own making. The rise of AI forces us to ask a complex, perhaps uncomfortable question: what happens to human society when intelligence is no longer solely human? Or is it?” said Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.

“The future of AI will not be decided in one room. But it can be changed by what begins in this one. When we gather here, Latin America and the Caribbean must come not as a footnote to a story written elsewhere, but as one of the authors for a brave new world.”

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, it is reshaping how people learn, work, communicate and relate to one another, while raising profound questions about identity, trust, cultural expression and coexistence.

Participants in Mexico reflected on how societies define progress and human well-being in an era of rapid technological transformation, and how diverse cultural and philosophical traditions can help guide this evolution.

The gathering brings together a wide range of perspectives, including policymakers, scientists, technologists, educators, economists, cultural leaders, artists and civil society voices, creating space for open, forward-looking dialogue across disciplines and regions.

AI and Human Development Series

The AI and Human Development convenings are part of a global conversation that will move from region to region and culminate at the United Nations – our global town hall – in September. The series will examine how artificial intelligence is transforming human civilization and sustainable development. Hosted in locations of historical and cultural significance, it creates space for reflection on how technological change intersects with the evolution of societies, institutions and human values and relationships.

As AI increasingly shapes how people learn, communicate and relate to one another, the discussion in Mexico City will explore its impact on the social fabric, cultural expression, trust and education systems. It will also consider how societies define progress and human well-being in an era where technological capabilities are advancing rapidly.

The open conversation will build on the Secretary General’s Global Dialogue on AI Governance and will inform key global processes leading to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, including contributions to the Pact for the Future and broader discussions on responsible AI. Future convenings are planned, culminating in New York in September.

Following Cairo and Mexico, future convenings are planned in China and Italy, culminating in New York during the 81^st UN General Assembly. In 2027, the initiative will expand to support country-led, community-based dialogues worldwide in the lead-up to the SDG Summit.

About the UN Office for Partnerships

As the global gateway to the United Nations, the UN Office for Partnerships convenes and co-creates essential partnerships and programmes, as well as manages catalytic funding to accelerate solutions to keep the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Media Contacts

Francyne Harrigan
United Nations Office for Partnerships
E: harriganf@un.org

Carmen Morales
UNIC Mexico
E: Carmen.MoralesHernandez@un.org