Former presidents, Nobel Laureate and global AI experts urge governments to act on AI safety

The warning comes as countries including Kenya increasingly adopt AI in agriculture, healthcare, banking, and digital services. Experts stress that without strong oversight, the technology could harm citizens instead of benefiting them.

Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia, Nobel Peace Laureate, and Chair of The Elders, is among the leaders behind the statement. He emphasized that governments must act decisively to protect citizens from unregulated AI risks.

“Governments must manage AI with urgency that reflects both scientific evidence and public concern,” the statement reads. “A government’s first responsibility is to protect its citizens. The current gap in governance is becoming a crisis. This must change. Governments have the power to change it in their people’s interests.”

The coalition acknowledges AI’s potential to transform lives from healthcare and education to agriculture but warns that harms are already visible and expanding rapidly.

They reject claims that governments cannot regulate AI, dismissing arguments that technology moves too fast, companies can self-regulate, or geopolitical competition is more important than public safety.

“There is nothing inevitable about how AI develops. Who it benefits and harms is a shared global challenge, not a race between a few countries or companies,” the experts said.

The group highlighted that AI is increasingly being used in ways that threaten global peace, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Militaries are integrating AI into weapons systems, creating risks of violations of international law and catastrophic outcomes.

At the same time, AI-driven mass surveillance, political disinformation, and discrimination are eroding civil liberties. AI data centres also consume massive amounts of electricity and deplete water resources, often affecting the most vulnerable communities. This is a concern for countries like Kenya, where energy and water scarcity are pressing issues.

Calling for inclusive global dialogue on AI governance, grounded in scientific research, transparency, and accountability. They stress that AI safety must go beyond technical safeguards to consider social, political, and economic impacts, with the United Nations playing a key role in setting global standards and promoting responsible development.

“AI is here to stay,” the statement concludes. “It is the responsibility of governments and all stakeholders to work collectively to change its trajectory. AI should serve humanity, contributing to a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous future for everyone.”

Experts say the warning comes at a pivotal moment as nations race to develop AI technologies. Without clear regulation, society could face serious consequences including human rights abuses, environmental strain, and international conflict. The call to action underscores that AI is not just a technological challenge but a global societal one, and governments must act now.