Inside the secret meeting that led to the AI political resistance

In January 2026, around 90 political and community leaders convened secretly in New Orleans to discuss artificial intelligence, culminating in the Pro-Human Declaration. This document, created under the auspices of the Future of Life Institute, outlines five primary guidelines focused on centering AI development around human interests. Notable signatories include the AFL-CIO, the Progressive Democrats of America, and Ralph Nader, reflecting an unprecedented coalition across the political spectrum. Participants expressed surprise at their shared concerns despite differing ideologies, focusing on issues like autonomous weapons and the ethical use of AI in society.

The Pro-Human Declaration emphasizes avoiding power concentration, protecting children, and ensuring human agency in AI applications. This meeting, facilitated by MIT professor Max Tegmark, revealed a remarkable consensus on key issues, with 94% of attendees opposing AI legal personhood. The declaration seeks to influence AI regulation and implementation, aiming to safeguard societal values amidst rapid technological change. As more signatories are expected, the coalition's impact could reshape the future landscape of AI policy, highlighting the necessity of collaboration across political divides to tackle complex challenges posed by AI advancements.