The United Nations’ Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance is a key initiative bringing together 193 Member States, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the tech industry to foster best practices and common approaches to AI governance. The Dialogue’s first meeting is scheduled for July in Geneva, with discussions informed by the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, co-chaired by journalist Maria Ressa and computer scientist Yoshua Bengio.
UN Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, Amandeep Gill, stated that policy debates will be “science and evidence-based,” incorporating diverse perspectives. The UN is facilitating this unprecedented convergence of science and policy for emerging technologies. Priorities for the Swiss meeting include promoting human rights, establishing safety measures against AI harm, and addressing the AI access gap, according to Dialogue co-chairs Egriselda López and Rein Tammsaar. Discussions will focus on general safety and human rights, excluding military applications of AI. The UN aims to serve as a global hub for sharing best practices and promoting an action-oriented, inclusive approach to AI governance.
Shifting Migration Routes Lead to Increased Fatalities, IOM Reports
In 2025, nearly 8,000 migrants were reported dead or missing globally, bringing the total recorded fatalities since 2014 to over 82,000, according to new data released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday. Data from IOM’s Missing Migrants Project and the Displacement Tracking Matrix indicates that while arrivals have decreased in some areas, migration routes are becoming more dangerous due to enforcement measures and conflict, forcing migrants onto longer, more fragmented, and perilous journeys.
“Routes are shifting in response to conflict, climate pressures, and policy changes, but the risks are still very real,” stated IOM Director General Amy Pope, noting that an estimated 340,000 family members have been directly affected by these disappearances. The report highlights a significant geographical dispersal of journeys, with Bangladeshi nationals emerging as the largest arrival group in Europe, replacing Syrian numbers. Ahead of May’s International Migration Review Forum, IOM urges enhanced international cooperation and sustained investment in evidence-based responses to save lives and support affected families, emphasizing that lower arrival figures do not guarantee safer journeys.
Actress Lucy Hale Appointed as New WFP Goodwill Ambassador
American actress and producer Lucy Hale, known for her role in the television series Pretty Little Liars, has been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN agency announced on Tuesday. Hale will advocate for the over 318 million people worldwide facing extreme hunger. As the daughter of a farmer and a nurse, Hale has a history of championing causes related to women, children, food security, small-scale farmers, and education.
“It is the honour of a lifetime to become a WFP Goodwill Ambassador,” Hale said. “It has long been my dream to give back in this way, and I am eager to shine a spotlight on WFP’s critical work to save and change lives around the world.” Hale has been raising awareness and support for WFP’s efforts since 2024 in regions including Sudan, Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine. WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain expressed gratitude for Hale’s passion and commitment, stating, “Her voice will elevate attention to people and places too often overlooked – and help drive the action needed to reach them.” Hale joins other notable WFP Goodwill Ambassadors such as Kate Hudson, Michael Kors, Ons Jabeur, and The Weeknd.
