Wikipedia powers AI, but the models that rely on its data are straining its infrastructure and the larger human knowledge ecosystem online.

New York, 30 September 2026 – During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Wikimedia Foundation’s CEO, Bernadette Meehan, and Global Advocacy team traveled to New York City to speak with policymakers, philanthropists, and high-level executives about the importance of protecting human knowledge in the age of AI.

Throughout the week, the team undertook a range of external engagements, including a fireside chat at the UN headquarters with Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications; joining Heather Gerken, President of the Ford Foundation and Nobel Laureates Maria Ressa and Muhammad Yunus on the main stage of the Clinton Global Initiative ; and speaking with Dr. Rumman Chowdhury at the Devex Impact House .…