As part of the intergovernmental process dedicated to defining terms of reference and modalities for the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance (whose creation was agreed in the context of the Global Digital Compact), the co-facilitators, Costa Rica and Spain, issued an Elements Paper. The paper, based on consultations held so far with member states and other stakeholders, outlines an overview of the proposed scope, functions, and governance arrangements for both the Panel and the Dialogue, and is meant to guide further negotiations.

According to the paper, the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI is to be designed as an independent, multidisciplinary, and globally-representative body tasked with promoting scientific understanding of AI through evidence-based assessments of its risks, opportunities, and capabilities. It would regularly produce reports, conduct horizon scanning, and initiate research on capacity-building gaps. The panel would be composed of independent experts selected through a transparent nomination process, ensuring multidisciplinary, geographical, and cultural diversity. It would be supported by a UN-based secretariat and may establish working groups as needed. Its assessments will be published at least once annually and will inform discussions within the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

The Global Dialogue on AI Governance is to serve as an inclusive, multistakeholder, and intergovernmental platform for discussions on AI governance. It aims to facilitate international cooperation by sharing best practices, lessons learned, and capacity building initiatives while fostering interoperability and synergies with existing AI governance efforts. The Dialogue should be open to all member states and relevant stakeholders,with connected intergovernmental and multistakeholder tracks. It will be convened at least once annually on the margins of existing relevant, including in New York and Geneva. It will be supported by a secretariat located within the UN, in coordination with UN agencies, and will produce non-binding outputs, while also suggesting areas for the Scientific Panel to assess.

Next in the process will be an informal consultation with member states based on the Elements Paper (on 14 March 2025), followed by the issuance of a Zero Draft (on 19 March 2025).

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