Digital on Day 1 of UNGA80: Technology for humanity

Welcome to the first daily report from the General Debate at the 80th session of the UN General Debate (UNGA80). Our daily hybrid AI–human reports bring you a concise overview of how world leaders are framing the digital future. Day 1 debates circled around a central message: technology must remain a servant of humanity, not its master. From calls to ensure AI benefits all societies and to build universal guardrails for its responsible use, to concerns over cybercrime, disinformation, and the governance of critical minerals, delegations stressed the urgent need for cooperation, inclusivity, and safeguards. While opportunities for innovation, development, and peace were highlighted, speakers warned that without global frameworks, the same technologies could deepen divides, fuel insecurity, and erode human dignity. To keep the highlights clear and accessible, we leave them in bullet points — capturing the key themes and voices as they emerge.