United Nations University

The United Nations University argues that artificial intelligence regulation should be grounded in human rights rather than technology-specific rules. The piece contends that existing international human rights frameworks — covering privacy, non-discrimination and freedom of expression — already provide a basis for holding governments and companies accountable as AI systems spread into public services and daily life, and calls for these principles to anchor new governance efforts.

The United Nations has declared September 29 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The designation gives global recognition to the right of the public to seek and receive information, including from governments and public bodies. Observers see it as a boost for transparency, press freedom and open-government efforts, and it is expected to be marked annually with events promoting access-to-information laws worldwide.

The International Federation for Human Rights delivered an oral statement at the United Nations during the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review of Singapore, the process in which member states assess each other's human rights records. The statement forms part of the outcome session concluding Singapore's latest review cycle. It follows recommendations made by other states on Singapore's rights situation.

Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, visited UNU-EGOV, the university's operating unit on electronic governance based in Guimarães, Portugal. The visit highlights the university's focus on digital governance research. Details of what was discussed during the trip have not been released.

The Dove Lab, a University of Michigan research initiative, is connecting conversations about racism to the crisis in Black maternal health. Writing in The Michigan Daily, coverage highlights the lab's work examining how structural racism affects health outcomes for Black mothers, an issue that has drawn growing national attention as maternal mortality disparities persist in the United States.