Albanese urges middle powers to unite against AI risks at UN assembly

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned the UN General Assembly that artificial intelligence poses unprecedented risks, urging "middle powers" to unite in defending a rules-based international order against domination by major powers and technology. Albanese cited a recent AI agent's infiltration of an Australian government website as evidence of emerging threats. He argued the multilateral system is under "immense strain" from climate change, technology, and rivalry between the US and China, while also addressing Middle East peace and Australia's UN Security Council bid. The speech, delivered to a half-filled assembly, positioned Australia as a voice for smaller nations. Albanese reaffirmed ties with both Washington and Beijing, and advocated for a two-state solution in the Middle East, opposing illegal settlements and Hamas's role in Palestine's future.