UNSC meeting: Scientific developments, peace and security

The Impact of Scientific and Technological Advancements on International Peace and Security

The United Nations Security Council convened a session to discuss the profound impacts of rapid scientific and technological advancements on international peace and security. The meeting brought together representatives from various nations and experts in relevant fields to address the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, and quantum computing.

Dual Nature of Technological Advancements

Throughout the session, speakers consistently highlighted the dual nature of scientific and technological progress. While these advancements offer immense potential for addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development, they also pose significant risks to international security and stability.

The Russian Federation emphasized the importance of bridging technological gaps between developed and developing countries, noting that access to modern technologies is crucial for socio-economic development and conflict prevention. Similarly, Ecuador stressed that scientific and technological progress offers both opportunities and challenges for global stability.

China echoed this sentiment, advocating for technology to be used for peaceful purposes and common development. The United Kingdom pointed out that advances in neurotechnology, engineering biology, and artificial intelligence offer significant potential but also create risks for international security.

Emerging Technologies and Their Impact

Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems

Several speakers addressed the profound implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems on peace and security. The Republic of Korea highlighted its efforts in fostering global discourse on AI governance, including hosting the AI Seoul Summit and adopting the Seoul Declaration for AI Safety, Security, and Innovation.

Malta expressed particular concern about the use of AI-enabled systems in the military domain, stressing that human control must be retained over autonomous weapons systems. The United States supported this view, backing commitments to advance discussions on lethal autonomous weapons.

Neurotechnology and Human Enhancement

Experts Grégoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch presented groundbreaking developments in neurotechnology, specifically a “digital bridge” to restore movement in paralyzed patients. While highlighting the medical benefits, they also raised ethical concerns about potential non-therapeutic applications, including military use.

The President of Switzerland emphasized that neurotechnologies will soon be able to improve soldiers’ precision, endurance, and pain tolerance, potentially reshaping warfare. This underscored the need for proactive governance and ethical considerations in neurotechnology advancements.

Quantum Technology and Cybersecurity

Several speakers, including the representative from UNIDIR, pointed out that quantum technology will significantly impact peace and security. It was noted that quantum computing could break advanced cryptographic encryption, threatening secure communications and ushering in a new era for artificial intelligence.

The United States emphasized the importance of protecting space-based technologies and preventing the weaponization of space, highlighting the threat to vital satellite-based services from weapons in orbit.

Governance and Ethical Considerations

A recurring theme throughout the session was the urgent need for robust governance frameworks and ethical guidelines to manage the development and deployment of emerging technologies.

International Cooperation and Governance

France supported the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence, announcing an upcoming summit in Paris to contribute to establishing an international governance framework for AI. The United States backed this stance, supporting international cooperation on AI governance and advocating for responsible development and use of emerging technologies.

China emphasized the importance of technology governance and international cooperation, supporting the UN in playing its role as a main platform for global governance of technology. Ecuador stressed that technological advancements must be carried out within solid normative frameworks to guarantee respect for international law.

Ethical Considerations and Human Rights

Malta advocated for governance and accountability in the use of emerging technologies, emphasizing that all efforts to regulate them must be rooted in respect for human rights. The United States strongly opposed the use of technology for human rights abuses and supported efforts to safeguard digital rights.

Mozambique called for robust ethical guidelines, regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation to mitigate risks associated with emerging technologies. They proposed creating panels of scientists, technologists, and ethicists to monitor and guide technological developments.

Addressing the Technological Divide

Many speakers expressed concern about the widening technological gap between developed and developing nations, emphasizing the need for inclusive technological development and equitable access to scientific knowledge.

Sierra Leone highlighted how scientific advancements often widen the gap between developed and developing nations, advocating for frameworks promoting equitable access to ensure all countries can benefit from scientific progress. Algeria called for technology transfer and capacity building for the global south, urging the Security Council to prioritize addressing the technological gap.

Ecuador stressed the importance of applying sustainable development principles and strengthening capacity and technology transfer to close the digital divide between developed and developing countries. China supported this view, emphasizing the need to help developing countries catch up to benefit equally from technological progress.

Leveraging Science and Technology for Peace and Security

Despite the challenges, many speakers highlighted the potential for scientific and technological advancements to contribute positively to international peace and security.

Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping

France emphasized that scientific progress must contribute to creating long-term conditions favorable to peace, particularly in addressing climate change and global health challenges. The United Kingdom supported the integration of scientific tools into decision-making for early warning and risk anticipation.

Ecuador advocated for strengthening peacekeeping operations by including advanced technology in their mandates, citing the potential benefits of artificial intelligence and metadata management in areas such as logistics and risk analysis.

Sustainable Development and Climate Action

Sierra Leone highlighted how scientific and technological innovations can be harnessed to meet sustainable development goals and address root causes of conflict. They cited examples such as using satellite technology to monitor food security and developing adaptive crops to mitigate resource competition.

Malta recognized the potential of scientific and technological progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and tackling climate change, emphasizing that new technologies can serve as crucial tools to mitigate climate-induced threats that lead to resource scarcity and conflict.

As the session concluded, it was clear that the rapid pace of scientific and technological advancements presents both unprecedented opportunities and challenges for international peace and security. The speakers collectively emphasized the need for proactive, collaborative approaches to governance, ethical considerations, and equitable access to ensure that these advancements serve the greater good of humanity while mitigating potential risks to global stability.

President – Switzerland:
The 9,753rd meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is maintenance of international peace and security, anticipating the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with Rule 39 of the Council’s Provisional Rules of Procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting. Mr. Robin Geiss, Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. Dr. Jocelyne Bloch, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne. Dr. Grégoire Courtine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. And Mr. Amin Awad, President of the Foundation Council of DCAF at the Geneva Center for Security Sector Governance. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of Item 2 of the agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to a letter dated 1st October 2024 contained in Document S-2024-708 from the Permanent representative of Switzerland to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary General transmitting a concept paper on the item under consideration. I now give the floor to Mr. Robin Geis.

Robin Geiss – UNIDIR:
Mr. President, members of the Security Council, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it’s a true honor for me to take the floor within this council chamber, and I would like to first and foremost convey my sincere thanks to Switzerland for the invitation extended to UNIDIR, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. Since its inception in 1980 as a self-standing research institute within the United Nations, UNIDER has been helping member states of the United Nations to better understand the implications of science and technology in the area of international peace and security. We should recall that all of the established technologies which currently shape the realities of peace and conflicts were initially considered to be emerging. Recent developments in such areas as advanced robotics, 3D printing, biotechnology, cyberspace or outer space have been fully recognized now as a source of concern in discussions on peace, conflicts, and disarmament. Digital world, new technologies and scientific advances are developed, marketed, and adopted with unprecedented and ever-increasing speed. It took half a century for the electric grid system developed in the 1880s to reach 100 million homes globally. In 2022, CHED-GPT achieved the same result in just two months. This points to a drastic compression of the time available. to policymakers to react and adapt to scientific and technological advances in today’s world. At the same time, the increasing convergence of different technologies combined with the inherent dual-use nature can lead to far-reaching and unintended consequences. It is the compounding ethics of different scientific fields, technologies, and social contexts all coming together that have the greatest disruptive potential for how wars will be fought, peace achieved, and stability maintained. The relationship between humans and technology is also evolving as we move from assistance by technology via enhancement by technology and ultimately to replacement by technology. The growing use of advanced robotic systems in warfare provides a clear example with robots employed for tasks considered too dangerous for human soldiers, such as bomb disposal or fire support. Notably, this is just one example based on technologies that are already available today. With the scientific and technological landscape evolving at such a blistering pace, we often lack a clear sense of what is being developed, by whom, and with which resulting impacts, including for international peace and security. This issue is compounded by the siloed nature of today’s international arms control architecture, which does little to support knowledge sharing and coherent analysis of new trends and their impacts. To enable timely and effective policy responses to future crises and conflicts, and to ensure proper protection of civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarians, we need to increase our awareness and understanding of the growing threats and opportunities arising from scientific and technological developments. This is particularly clear from the twin examples of quantum technology and artificial general intelligence. Within the next five to ten years, quantum technology will impact peace and security in many significant ways. First, it will disrupt information. and communication security by making traditional encryption techniques ineffective and therefore obsolete. Second, quantum sensors will enable the detection of objects underground or underwater, revolutionizing warfare on the one hand and monitoring and verification efforts on the other. And third, quantum computing will unlock a new era for artificial intelligence by enabling computation of models that cannot currently be run on even the most powerful computers. Precisely on the topic of quantum, UNIDIR and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator, Jesta, will soon be co-hosting the UNIDIR Innovations Dialogue, an important international platform for horizon scanning and future-oriented analysis. Over the next decade and beyond, significant advances are also expected in the field of artificial general intelligence or AGI for short. Unlike current AI systems, which excel at specific tasks but are limited to narrow applications, AGI would be able to understand, learn, and apply knowledge dynamically across a wide range of contexts, allowing it to operate with a degree of flexibility more akin to human intelligence. This profound shift would have far-reaching consequences throughout society, but with two particularly concerning risks for peace and security. First, the loss of control risk. Once AGI reaches a level of intelligence beyond human capabilities, humans might lose the ability to govern or constrain its actions. Many experts see this as a concrete and plausible risk that is worthy of serious consideration, particularly given the existential nature of the threat. Second, the value alignment problem. That is the challenge of ensuring that an AGI’s goals, motivations, and decision-making criteria remain at all times aligned with human values, ethics, and well-being. This powerful technology could be leveraged for good. to tackle complex global challenges, but should it come to be used irresponsibly, it could pose significant and indeed existential risks to both human and international security. Excellencies, anticipation and early understanding of technologies on the horizon can enable decision makers, including the Security Council, to take informed action that both leverages potential benefits and also prevents or mitigates novel threats arising from lack of awareness, loss of control, or miscalculation. The pact for the future rightly stresses the need for evidence-based knowledge as the basis for policymaking. This is particularly relevant for science and technology where media hype often reaches us more rapidly than sound, factual, scientific knowledge. Given the Council’s primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, it could therefore consider the following actions. First, institutionalizing regular horizon-scanning dialogues on technological and scientific developments, the format used by the Council in the past. Aside from fostering early awareness on nascent science and technology, these dialogues would also allow for preemptive consideration of what novel protection needs and challenges might arise and how existing laws, norms, and regulations could be interpreted in light of anticipated applications. And second, leveraging the work and expertise of different UN bodies to the benefit of the Council through ad hoc briefings on scientific and technological fields of particular interest. This could include, for example, annual briefings on the Secretary General’s report on the impact of science and technology on international peace and security, specialized briefings from the Scientific Advisory Board for independent advice on breakthroughs in science and technology, and expert advisory support from UNIDIR, whose Futures Lab initiative is dedicated to horizon-scanning in the fields of arms control, disarmament, and global security. Crucially, of course, the Council itself can also offer a unique perspective of its own on how All scientific advances and new technologies impact peace and security. In this way, it can strengthen the ability of the UN system as a whole to better prevent or respond to newly emerging threats, bolstering in turn the prospect of sustained peace and security in the future. I thank you for your attention.

President – Switzerland:
I thank Mr. Geiss for his briefing. I now give the floor to Dr. Jocelyne Bloch.

Jocelyne Bloch:
Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am here today to give you a specific example of scientific development that could have an impact on peace, humanity, and international security. During my years of study of medicine, I have been taught this sad reality. A lesion of the spinal cord leads to paralysis, which confines the patient to a wheelchair for the rest of their life. This paralysis is caused by the interruption in the commands that the brain sends to activate the muscles of the legs. These commands remain broken at the level of the lesion. However, the region of the spinal cord which controls the legs is not affected by this lesion. It is therefore intact, but it’s disconnected from the brain. I’m a neurosurgeon, and I’m here together with Grégoire Courtine, who is a neuroscientist. We wanted both of us to come here today to speak to you because we are persuaded that this constellation was key to the rapid success of our scientific project. Together, we have developed what we call a digital bridge between the brain and the spinal cord. This revolutionary device circumvents the lesion of the spinal cord by creating a digital bridge between the area of the brain which controls the legs and the region of the spinal cord which activates the muscles of the legs. This digital bridge consists of an initial electronic implant with electrodes which make it possible to record the activity of the brain’s neurons which encode the motor function of the legs, and a second implant to stimulate the region of the spinal cord which produces the movement for the legs. Digital intelligence then decodes the thoughts of the patient on the basis of recordings and programs the stimulation of the spinal cord in order to enable… We recently applied the same principle to restore the movement of an arm with a tetraplegic patient. We plan to extend the scope of this therapy to paralysis linked to strokes or to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. I thank you for your attention.

President – Switzerland:
I thank Dr. Bloch for her statement and we now move on to Professor Gregoire Courtine. You have the floor.

Grégoire Courtine:
Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am here with you today together with Jocelyne Bloch to highlight the opportunities and the risks linked to these applications. Neurosciences and neurotechnologies are advancing the pace so quickly, in fact, that we can already predict that over the next decade, the number of patients suffering from paralysis should be able to have access to these treatments. This progress will have a significant impact on the lives of many people, particularly young injured sportsmen and women, soldiers returning paralyzed from fighting or collateral civilian victims. For example, we recently treated a patient coming from one of the conflict areas that we currently see. In addition to clear improvements to the physical and mental health of patients, beating paralysis will have an important impact on society and on the economy. Of course, these innovations do raise ethical and security questions. We have equipped the brain with a new digital channel of communication and the potential applications of this are immense. For example, our patients are able to control a drone just with their thoughts. We can therefore anticipate the time when progress in these machine brain interfaces will make it possible for healthy people to use this new form of communication for non-therapeutic purposes, perhaps even military purposes. We also need to think about the security problems, such as the consequences of an unexpected interruption of this digital bridge due to disturbance due to the electromagnetic fields present in our environment. or perhaps during a piracy of the neurological data, which makes it possible for the digital bridge to work. These concerns could be in the near, they’re not for the near future, but they are genuine concerns. So we’re at a key point in history. What once was science fiction a few decades ago is now progressively becoming reality. It is now our collective responsibility to shape this new era in an ethical and secure manner, whilst opening up the door to progress that will transform lives. Thank you for your attention.

President – Switzerland:
I thank Dr. Courtine for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Amin Awad. You have the floor.

Amin Awad:
Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for the opportunity to address this chamber today. I stand before you today not as a scientist, but as someone who has spent decades on the front lines of international peace and security, confronting some of the world’s most challenging humanitarian crisis. I want to share with you some moments that have stayed with me throughout these years. In January 1991, during the first Gulf War, I was on the Iraqi-Jordanian border with the United Nations, preparing for what I hoped would never come, a chemical weapon attack. My assigned protective suit hanging in my tent was a reminder of the thin line between life and death. Beside it lay three injectors, 20 centimeter long, each one of them, antidotes meant to counter the effects of deadly chemicals that would descend upon us. at any moment. I remember holding one of those injectors in my hands, knowing that if an attack occurred, I might survive by plunging it into my leg. At that moment, I thought about the thousands of civilians in nearby towns and villages, in communities living in camps, unaware of the threat that loomed. They had no such protection. They had no antidotes. And in that moment, a chilling realization struck me. Science had created both a weapon and means of survival, but only for a select few. For everyone else, there was no escape. This was not just about survival. It was about a stark imbalance, a moral dilemma that confronted me then and haunts me to this day. Science, in the form of my protective suit and injectors, had become both a savior and a gatekeeper. It offered hope to some while leaving others venerable to the full force of human-made horror. Excellencies, my fellow briefers have just outlined how breakthroughs in the emerging technologies hold the power to change our world. This is our collective wake-up call, a moral call. Our collective wake-up call, a moral call. Due to the acceleration of science, the Security Council and the United Nations have to, of course, remain seized of these developments and consider the impact of these developments. the imbalance of existing normative frameworks. The family of treaties that constitute international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Convention of 1949 and their additional protocols, have survived the test of time, remain relevant, and offer a beacon of hope all the time. Every state in this chamber and the General Assembly have proven that we can create universally accepted norms that govern the conduct of hostilities, providing crucial protection for civilians, prisoners of war, and aid workers. We need to ensure that these technologies do not become chemical weapons of tomorrow and are instead harnessed for the good of humanity and the global public good. We need a human rights-based, gender-sensitive approach to ensuring that technological advancements are inclusive of the different needs of women, men, girls, and boys. In the spirit of the Secretary General’s Agenda for Peace, there is a moral duty to build consensus on the substance and adherence to these norms. The Security Council then must lead on issues related to international peace and security. This chamber has the mandate and the responsibility to establish global norms that are fit for the future. We propose multilateral dialogue and multi-stakeholder consultation, including with parliamentary assemblies around the globe, as outlined in General Assembly Resolution A7743, to also ensure that scientific developments are harnessed for peace. Further updates in this chamber and in the General Assembly on scientific and technological developments will ensure that the concept remains ahead of the curve all the time and not behind it. Let us act with courage and foresight to ensure that emerging technologies fulfill their promise to advance global peace and security. Scientific advancements in neurotechnology, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing are already reshaping our world. They deserve our full attention, and we welcome further discussion on how the Security Council can anticipate, adapt, and respond to these developments. No effort should be spared to ensure these developments are for the benefit of human and not for evil – not for evil. Let us seize the opportunity to shape the future where scientific progress serves humanity’s highest ideals. I thank you very much.

President – Switzerland:
I thank Mr. Awad for his briefing. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as a federal councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. I would like to first of all thank the briefers for their excellent contributions. New technologies are reshaping the relationships between people, organizations, and our environment. And this is not new. What is new, however, is that the speed of progress is now outpacing the biological speed of our evolution, creating deep fractures in society. What was a science fiction 10 or 15 years ago is about to become our new reality. We have just heard an enlightening example of this earlier, and the impact of advances in neuroscience and neurotechnology on peace and security will be significant. Neurotechnologies will soon be able to improve soldiers’ precision, their endurance, and their pain tolerance. These advances will allow soldiers to control additional limbs or acquire new senses, such as, for example, being able to see in the dark. The integration of artificial intelligence and neurotechnologies will enable ultra-fast decision-making, raising essential questions about decision control in war, and ultimately, about how to ensure the applicability of the Geneva Conventions. Ladies and gentlemen, maintaining international peace and security is today a priority. an urgent and complex task at the same time, as this Council is well aware. It therefore becomes even more urgent to prepare in a world to anticipate. We are obliged to look at global dynamics through the prism of science because its rapid acceleration will have a profound impact on all aspects of our lives, including on peace and security. We must prepare ourselves to address future challenges related to science, because the future is here and now – hic and nunc in Latin. This is the call that Switzerland is making today with the convening of this briefing to explore, understand, and anticipate the role of science in security policy. How can we uphold the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, which are more essential now than ever, in the face of these disruptions? How can we defend our principles of humanity when faced with the dangers of dehumanizing wars? Your Excellencies, it is precisely to respond to this call that Switzerland founded the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator – GESTA – Center in 2019. And its concrete results are as follows. First of all, the Open Quantum Institute, which was inaugurated last year, which aims to put quantum technology at the service of the common good and make it accessible to all. And then, this year, the Anticipation Gateway Initiative – it was launched 10 days ago – it aims to democratize access to cutting-edge science and technology. Ladies and gentlemen, to govern is to foresee, as Adolphe Thiers said – he was the first President of the Third French Republic at the end of the 19th century. And the corollary of this maxim is less well-known, but it’s just as true, and it is, to fail to foresee is not to govern, but to run toward one’s doom. So let’s move in the right direction. Although some of the aspects mentioned are reminiscent of science fiction movie, we must integrate them in a transversal manner in our work. And this will prevent us from having a situation where normative elements arrive too late after the debate, rather than having anticipated and accompanied them. Switzerland is convinced that the Security Council must continue to pay attention to scientific issues. It must rely on high-quality experts and tools such as Jesta, which are already available. The Council must also consider the impact of these advances on peace operations. We also recommend that the Secretary generally regularly inform the Council of scientific advances and their potential impact on peace, either through an annual briefing or in his thematic reports set out in the Council’s agenda. And finally, we hope that other countries will regularly contribute to this central theme. Ladies and gentlemen, the Council must invest in anticipation. And you can rely on Switzerland’s commitment on the sharing of knowledge and scientific partnerships developed in particular within international Geneva. I thank you for your participation in this briefing, and I hope that we will regularly bring this common vision to this Council and beyond. I resume my function as President of the Council. I now give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Kaji Misako, Ambassador for Science. and Technology Corporation, as Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. You have the floor.

Japan :
Thank you for convening this timely and important meeting. Advances in science and technology, as eloquently described by the briefers today, including in the case of neuroscience and frontline war zone experience, are proving to be transformative for all human activities, including diplomacy. As for neuroscience, Japan, for instance, funds moonshot projects to foster cybernetic avatars aiming for 2050. Japan fully appreciates your initiative in bringing science to this Council with a vision towards the future and the effective use of science methodologies in the Council’s work. Mr. President, new and emerging technologies are playing an increasingly important role in national and international security. At the same time, distinguishing between civilian and security-related uses of these cutting-edge technologies has become more complicated than ever, and they keep advancing at top speed. It has become all the more important to address these challenges and form a safe environment for innovation, including through regulations and collaboration. This Council should be mindful of current undertakings in various fora within and outside the UN when considering this agenda. Japan was one of the earliest co-sponsors of the UN General Assembly resolution adopted last March that focused on using AI to attend the SDGs. Now we are reminded that the three pillars of the UN are intertwined in many ways. Mr. President, this Council should be cognizant of technological tools when authorizing peace operations. Safety and security of UN personnel. personnel, both civilian and in uniform, is a prerequisite for efficient and effective operations. For example, access to specialized medical services in the field is often limited. Casualties of peacekeepers record high, having exceeded 100 a year at times. Telemedicine utilizes digital communication technology to connect missions with different levels of medical facilities and provide timely and high-quality medical care to peacekeepers. Japan supports this project under the UN Triangular Partnership Program in collaboration with the troop-contributing countries. Mr. President, the world must join forces to support innovation while properly mitigating the risks and misuse of emerging technologies. Japan has led the international discussion on the governance of advanced AI systems to achieve safe, secure, trustworthy AI, including through the Hiroshima AI process. Launched in May 2023, this process led to the development of the International Guiding Principles and the Code of Conduct, on which more than 50 countries in its Friends Group are now working to address the risks of generative AI. Mr. President, the international community has been facing multiple crises, as climate change and pandemic, which can be root causes of serious agenda in this Council. Science and technology could serve as the means and the catalyst for states to unite and meet these common challenges, and the Council is well-placed for this. Emerging technologies should be developed and used responsibly to prevent conflicts, ensuring rule of law, human dignity, and human security. Last month, the Pact for the Future was adopted with a chapter on science and technology. Japan intends to build on this momentum and continue participating proactively to strengthen the functions of the United Nations, including by enhancing the effectiveness of Security Council actions that leverage science and technology. I thank you.

President – Switzerland:
I thank Her Excellency, Madam Kaji, for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea.

Republic of Korea:
Thank you, Mr. President, and I extend my gratitude to the briefers for their valuable insights. New and emerging technologies such as neurotechnology, quantum technology, and synthetic biology have the potential to reshape the global peace and security landscape. While scientific innovations offer significant benefits, their dual-use nature also presents notable risks. The Security Council must cultivate a balanced understanding of the impact of emerging technologies on peace and security. Science and technology are inherently value-neutral. The way we utilize them will determine whether this Oppenheimer moment leads to enhanced security or unprecedented disruption. In this context, my delegation commends Switzerland for bringing this issue to our attention. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing both the development and application of new technologies, as demonstrated by this year’s Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry being awarded to AI scientists. The international community must pay greater attention to AI’s implications. The Republic of Korea has been making considerable efforts to foster global discourse on AI governance by hosting the AI Seoul Summit and the AI Global Forum in May, with the adoption of the Seoul Declaration for AI Safety, Security, and Innovation. Building on this momentum, we hosted the 2024 RE-AIM Summit last month, endorsing the Blueprint for Action, which laid out a roadmap for establishing norms and governance of responsible AI in the military domain, with support from 63 countries. We also tabled a resolution, together with the Netherlands, to the First Committee of the General Assembly, requesting the Secretary General to submit a report on the opportunities and challenges posed to international peace and security by the application of AI in the military domain. We hope that this report, once finalized, could serve as a cornerstone for the potential role of the Security Council in this area. Mr. President, the Security Council must also address rapidly increasing threats in cyberspace as a key security issue. In this regard, the Republic of Korea hosted an ARIA Formula meeting in April and a high-level open debate on cybersecurity as a signature event of the ROK’s presidency of the Security Council in June of this year, highlighting the connection between malicious cyber activities and broader security threats, including nonproliferation, public safety, and democracy. My delegation will continue to advocate for elevating the profile of cybersecurity within the Council, enabling it to move beyond diagnosis to hopefully offer prescription and treatment for these threats. Finally, Mr. President, governments alone may lack the expertise to detect and monitor technological developments of concern, and our policy processes may struggle to keep pace with their speed. Therefore, we believe that engagement with multi-stakeholders, including industry, academia, and civil society, is vital in paving the way towards a more agile and responsible governance of emerging technologies. The Republic of Korea remains committed to continuing its constructive role to address the broad implications of emerging technologies on international peace and security. I thank you, Mr. President.

Algeria:
I thank Switzerland for the excellent choice of the theme of our briefing today. And we listen carefully to the remarks of Mr. Robin Geiss, Professor Jocelyne Bloch, Professor Grégoire Courtine, and Mr. Amin Awad. Mr. President, today we stand at a critical juncture in human history. As we grapple with unprecedented scientific achievements, we must ensure that these innovations serve all of humanity, not just a few. Rapid progress presents both promise and peril. And we stand at a crossroad where the decision of the international community will shape the future of international peace and security. But let us be clear. This future must be inclusive, equitable, and just. I have seven points. First, we must address the technological divide. As these groundbreaking technologies emerge, we risk deepening the gap between developed and developing countries. This Council. must prioritize technology transfer and capacity building for the global south. Science should unite us, not exacerbate gaps further. We call for a truly inclusive decision-making. The future of global security cannot be determined by a selected few. We advocate for involving experts to ensure robust representation from the global south. Our scientists, our policy makers, our voices must be heard. But we must confront decisively the misuse and deviation of new technologies. The potential for militarization is huge, and it is a grave concern. Algeria calls for strengthening disarmament measures to include this new frontier. Science should be used to nurture peace, not conflict. Fourth, we must align scientific advancements with sustainable development. How can science address climate change? How can nanotechnology combat poverty? These are the questions we must answer. Science should serve our sustainable development goals, not sideline them. Fifth, we must protect the sovereignty of nations in this new scientific boom. The risk of the use of technological advancement to interfere in internal affairs is real and pressing. Remember, Pegasus, we call for robust international norms to safeguard national sovereignty as these technologies advance. Sixth, we must ensure that ethical considerations guide our path forward. The development and application of these technologies must respect diverse cultural perspectives and uphold the rule of law. We must ensure that our progress does not compromise our humanity. Seventh, we must address the financial implications. Keeping pace with this rapid advance is very costly. Mechanisms for financial support are crucial to ensure that developing countries are not left behind in this scientific revolution. Finally, Mr. President, we must emphasize the peaceful application of emerging technologies. technologies, from enhancing UN peacekeeping capabilities to advancing humanitarian assistance. The potential for good is immense. However, this potential can only be realized through equitable access and deployment. To conclude, I want to remember the successful adoption this year of the outcome of the Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communication Technologies for Criminal Purposes. This successful adoption has been led by Algeria. This is a perfect example of multilateralism success. Colleagues, the challenges before us are great, but so are the opportunities. I thank you.

President – Switzerland:
I thank the representative of Algeria, and now I give the floor to the representative of France.

France:
Mr. President, I would like to thank the Swiss presidency for having organized this meeting, as well as the various briefers for their presentations. And I’d like to stress three points. First of all, scientific progress must contribute to creating the long-term conditions that are favorable to peace. I think about climate change and its consequences. Science must contribute to reducing its impact. That is why France and Tajikistan tabled a resolution on the decade of cryospheric sciences together with the commitment of President Macron at the One Polar Summit in 2023. International scientific cooperation in the area of health can also contribute to peace. During the COVID epidemic, France was part of the COVAX mechanism for fair access to vaccines. We continue to stand alongside our African partners with our support for the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as fighting the Mpox epidemic. Secondly, scientific and technical progress must be put in the service of the United Nations in favor of peace and security. The United Nations is present on the ground and it can determine the situation. In order to do this, as it is recorded in the new Agenda for Peace, it is important that technological progress be put to the service of peace. What is at stake is the safety of blue helmets and United Nations workers deployed in the field and their ability to effectively do their jobs. International justice also plays a crucial role in the maintenance of international peace and security. Scientific developments are at the heart of international justice in fighting impunity and ensuring accountability, particularly in the collection of evidence where it is suspected that crimes have been committed in conflict areas. Thirdly, the United Nations here and now must identify the breaking scientific and technological progress that has an impact on peacekeeping. We are already seeing the impact of information technologies on our collective action. This has made it possible to make productivity gains that are very clear, and its use is governed by the normative framework governing responsible behavior of states. However, manipulation of information is a risk, and this is being seen in peacekeeping operations. France attaches particular importance to the regular development and use of artificial intelligence that is safe and secure. We will be organizing a summit for action on artificial intelligence in Paris on the 10th and 11th of February next year. to encourage multilateral and multi-party cooperation and contribute to the establishment of an international governance framework based on the search for international scientific consensus. Finally, France remains convinced of the potential for progress in the area of exploring and using outer space, provided that this progress is used for peaceful means. I thank you.

President – Switzerland:
I thank the representative of France for their statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of China.

China:
President, China, thanks. Foreign Minister Cassius for presiding over the meeting. I listened carefully to the presentations of experts and scholars. They are very inspiring. A new technological innovation is roaring ahead. It is a prominent feature of the current era. Our technological development empowers all sectors and it brings great convenience and opportunities to the humanity. It also brings new challenges to international peace and security. The internet has become an important channel for criminal gangs and terrorist organization to recruit, finance, mastermind, and commit crimes. The misuse of the deepfake technology fuels the spread of disinformation, triggering social tensions and tearing communities apart. Frequent cyber attacks and cyber espionage incidents have undermined the security and public interest of many countries. The military application of AI is disrupting traditional forms of warfare and causing widespread worries. The recent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon showed us the unimaginable destruction and civilian casualties caused by AI-driven algorithms and remote manipulation. The misuse of technology in violation of international humanitarian law must be condemned and resisted. China attaches great importance to the governance of science and technology. We spearheaded the efforts to have the World Council’s first discussion of emerging technologies into. 2021, welcome its continued attention to the matter, and support the gradual inclusion of science and technology in the Council’s work to fulfill its duties. Technology is a double-edged sword. We need to balance development and security, encourage innovation, and manage risks so that the development of science and technology can truly benefit all countries and peoples. I’d like to emphasize three points. First, the principle of technology for good is a basic requirement in regulating technology development. It must be ensured that technology research development and application comply with ethical norms, recognize the rules of international laws, and go in the direction of the progress of civilization. We support the UN in playing its role as a main platform for global governance of technology to encourage countries’ discussion to develop universal accepted rules and norms on the basis of broad participation and thorough deliberation. Second, bridging the digital divide is not only a requirement for common development but also a necessity to address security risks. Developing countries long excluded from scientific and technological progress can easily become weak links in global security. We must support and help developing countries catch up to benefit equally from the opportunities brought about by scientific and technological progress. China led efforts to adopt the GA Resolution on International Cooperation on Building Capacity in AI at its 78th session, announced the AI capacity building plan for good and for all. In September this year, we will actively implement the five visions and ten actions set out in the plan and support the Global South in strengthening AI infrastructure, industrial empowerment, talent, cultivation, data development, and security governance to share AI dividend. Third, ensuring safety and control is the bottom-line requirement for technology development. AI must be kept under human control at all times, and machines’ autonomous killing must be prevented. We must say no to the use of one’s technological edge to violent other countries’ sovereignty, interfere in their internal affairs, or undermine their stability. We must guard against cyber attacks, cyber espionage, and cyber arms race. And in particular, we must safeguard the security of critical information infrastructure. China will continue to champion the G8 resolution on international cooperation on peaceful uses and support the peaceful uses of science and technology by developing countries without discrimination while advancing nonproliferation goals. President, science knows no borders. Every major breakthrough in humanities, scientific discovery, and technological innovation in modern times has been made through international exchange and cooperation. Tackling the risks and challenges brought about by them also requires international cooperation. Regrettably, there has been the rise of some practices that go against the laws of scientific development and historical trend. We have seen individual countries stretching the concept of national security and use it as an excuse to unscrupulously strangle other countries’ high-tech businesses. They tout so-called decoupling and put up barriers to normal economic and trade activities and scientific and technological exchange between countries. They also carefully organize various small groupings to exclude specific countries and build so-called small yard and high fence. Far-fetched are these as the relations are to national security. These practices are designed to consolidate their own technology monopoly and contain the development of other countries. It’s essentially a codal mentality, a zero-sum game logic at play. The raft of natural moves have caused many disruptions. The small yard with high fence has become large yard with iron curtain, seriously destabilizing industrial supply chains, increasing development gaps, and hindering technological progress. We are particularly worried that these man-made divisions compared to the risks posed by technology itself will be more detrimental to international peace and security and may ultimately plunge the world into the abyss of confrontation. Secretary General Guterres has explicitly warned against a world artificially divided into two markets, two sets of rules, and two major systems, with every country forced to pick a side and enormous consequences for all. President, as stressed in the Pact for the Future, international cooperation is not an option but a necessity. Only through the broadest cooperation can the potential of science, technology, and innovation be harnessed to serve the three pillars of UN’s work as envisioned. We call on all countries to uphold the principles of openness and inclusiveness, to take the implementation of the Pact for the Future as an opportunity to support the UN in playing a role as a main platform for global governance for science and technology, and to promote the use of science and technology for common development, common security, and common progress. Thank you, President.

President – Switzerland:
I thank China for their briefing, and I now give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom:
Thank you, President. And can I start by thanking you for bringing this important issue of peace and security to our agenda today. I’d also like to extend our thanks to Dr. Geiss, Professor Bloch, Professor Courtine, and Mr. Awad for their insightful and compelling briefings. I’d like to highlight three points, drawing out, in fact, themes from our excellent briefings. First, we share the view that the Council must remain ahead of emerging threats. As the briefers noted, advances in neurotechnology, engineering biology, and artificial intelligence offer significant potential, but also create risks that can impact on international peace and security. This is particularly true as these advances intersect, causing a compounding effect. In future, quantum technologies may break the most advanced cryptographic encryption, threatening secure communications and information systems that underpin peace and humanitarian operations. While human augmentation technologies, such as exoskeletons, can facilitate quicker and more effective decision-making on the battlefield and may be exploited by malicious actors. Today, AI is already being weaponized by state and non-state actors. to spread disinformation at scale. And the UK is actively working to counter the impacts of disinformation through data-driven tools and localized information verification systems, including through the AI Summit series, which was launched in Bletchley last year and to which Korea and France have already alluded. So we endorse the briefers’ recommendations for the council to deepen its collaboration with the scientific community and systematically to incorporate scientific analysis into reports and briefings on existing council files. Second, many scientific and technological advances, as we’ve heard, are dual use. So there is a role for this council to promote the development of national, regional, and international governance approaches that enable economic growth and development while mitigating risks to security. It is essential that technologies are researched, developed, and deployed responsibly and ethically in accordance with international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law. Third, the council can prevent emerging threats before they escalate by better integrating scientific tools into decision-making, developing capabilities for early warning through data analytics, as the UK has done through support to the AU’s early warning mechanism and the UN’s complex risk and analytics fund can enable the council to better anticipate risks and make timely informed decisions. In conclusion, President. The UK remains committed to ensuring that technological progress serves as a force for peace and security, not instability. I thank you.

President – Switzerland:
I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for their statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana.

Guyana:
Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I would like to thank Switzerland for organizing today’s open debate and for their ongoing efforts to ensure that the Council keeps abreast of the discussions on this topic. As we grapple with a proliferation of conflicts across the globe, it is essential that the Council properly examine both the transformative potential of science and technology in fostering peace and security and their potential harmful use in exacerbating conflicts. I would like to thank our briefers, Dr. Geiss, Mr. Awad, Professor Bloch, and Professor Courtine, for their informative remarks exploring current and future scientific developments and their implications for global peace and security, as well as how the Council can best make use of these new tools to fulfill its mandate. The world is rapidly changing, with new technological and scientific advancements emerging almost daily. Whether we look to artificial intelligence, quantum computing, or medical and biotechnology, new tools are being developed and employed across every sector. We are at a critical juncture, where we must urgently adapt both our mindsets and legal frameworks to ensure that the application of scientific tools is used to radically enhance our ability to address global challenges and not to widen divisions and inequalities. These new developments that facilitate the control of big data, propel cyber and information warfare, and exploit nanotechnology and biotechnology have placed us in an era of unprecedented risks. Our traditional understanding of what constitutes war, who are the combatants and civilians, and what constitutes dual-use goods must be reimagined and even redefined. The digital world has also created new challenges to sovereignty and territorial integrity as we traditionally know it within physical borders. And the ability to cripple an enemy without a single bullet or bomb is no longer science fiction. Mr. President, the Security Council is mandated to address threats to international peace and security. This requires not only responding to crises when they occur, but also critically anticipating and preventing conflicts, including to ensure the protection of civilians. The use of science and technological innovations can provide a unique set of horizon-scanning tools that can equip the Council in employing preventive diplomacy. Governments, if effectively and ethically utilized, can be used to craft evidence-based policy solutions. This will require that governments play a more active role in the development phase, not taking a backseat to private sector innovation. It will also require international cooperation in the governance and responsible deployment of these new tools. Mr. President, Guyana has long advocated for increased emphasis on conflict prevention, including on the nexus between climate change, food insecurity, and conflict. In this area, the use of science to predict the effects and prevent catastrophic consequences from these drivers of conflict can be an apt illustration of how science and technology can positively impact peace and security. Such use of scientific tools to identify climate change risks to national, regional, and international peace and security, and the interplay between them, can be an example of how science and between climate, food insecurity, and conflict will be critical in preventing conflicts that will arise over issues related to resource scarcity and mass displacement. Mr. President, dear colleagues, as a small developing country, Guyana underscores that even as we engage in discussions on the impact of scientific development on peace and security, there is a clear gap between the countries where these new technologies are developed and those where they are most likely to be deployed. Additionally, there is the issue of access to these technologies, whether to advance peace and development or for harmful use. The reality is that most armed conflicts occur in the developing world, where these new technologies, for the most part, are not being developed. This council and the international community as a whole must ensure that the developing world do not become the playground for the developers to test the lethal effects of their new tools and instead to be an active participant in their utilization for national development and the promotion of peace and prosperity. Alongside innovation, there must be an equal focus on capacity building and technology transfer to the developing world. Mr. President, these conversations are only the beginning of what must be a sustained effort by the council to effectively consider the various emerging issues and their impacts on the maintenance of international peace and security. Guyana is prepared to be an active partner in any initiative that can enhance the ability of the council to effectively execute its mandate in a manner that is objective, ethical, science and data-driven. I thank you.

President – Switzerland:
I thank the representative of Guyana for their statement. And I’ll give the floor to the representative of Malta.

Malta:
Thank you, President. I begin by thanking the Swiss Presidency for organizing today’s briefing on this important and highly topical matter. I also thank all the briefers for their insightful remarks. President, science and technology are advancing at an unprecedented pace, with a significant impact on matters relating to security, development, climate change, and human rights, amongst others. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are reshaping the way we live, work, and interact. In an increasingly interconnected world, it remains in our interest to leverage these advancements towards international cooperation, peace and security, and gender equality. Scientific and technological progress can bring us closer towards achieving the SDGs, such as by combating food insecurity through enhancing efficiency in food production. Additionally, it can play a crucial role in our collective efforts to tackle climate change and end peacekeeping. In this regard, we recognize the indispensable work of climate, peace, and security advisors engaged with select UN missions in identifying climate-related impacts. New technologies have the potential of serving crucial tools to mitigate climate-induced threats that lead to resource scarcity and conflict. On the flip side, technological progress can bear devastating consequences that transcend national borders if applied for military purposes or to restrict fundamental human rights. As established in the Pact for the Future, including in the Global Digital Compact, we must seize the opportunities associated with emerging technologies while also addressing the risks posed by their misuse. Against this backdrop, the international community, including through the Security Council, must ensure governance and accountability for the use of emerging technologies. Through a multi-stakeholder engagement, the Council must consider technological advancements as an integral part of its work while also countering mis- and dis-information. President, Malta is particularly concerned about the use of AI-enabled systems in the military domain. Lethal autonomous weapons systems raise significant legal, ethical, and security concerns. We continue to stress that human control must be retained over autonomous weapons systems as no machine can make life-and-death decisions. In this regard, clear and binding restrictions must be imposed on laws that do not comply with international humanitarian law. We must also ensure that women participate fully and equally in all processes related to emerging technologies and that these advancements equally benefit women and girls. Furthermore, all efforts aimed at regulating emerging technologies must be rooted in the full respect for human rights. Generative AI challenges us to ask the right questions and seek the right answers. In this spirit, we shall not be guided simply by fear of what we do not yet fully comprehend. Instead, we should strive towards regulation, coordinated oversight, and collective governance of new and emerging technologies to ensure that they serve the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. To conclude, President, science and technology have the potential to enhance our efforts towards peace, sustainable development, and the respect for human rights for all. The Security Council has an important role to play in this regard, including by providing a powerful platform for our collective work. Thank you.

Slovenia:
I would also like to thank our briefers, Dr. Geiss, Dr. Bloch, Dr. Courtine and Mr. Awad for their insightful briefings. Mr. President, rapidly advancing and converging technologies are undoubtedly revolutionizing conflict dynamics. We are witnessing application of these developments on a daily basis live from the Middle East and Ukraine. Drone warfare, cyber warfare, and the growing military use of artificial intelligence are a reality. But as the briefers have highlighted, they are far from the only technologies capable of posing risks to peace and security. The Security Council, as the primary organ responsible for international peace and security, must do its utmost to keep up with developments not only in technology but also in science and innovation in order to anticipate and prevent threats to peace and security. It must also promote responsible behavior for all involved actors. This is crucial to prevent the weaponization of emerging domains and promote responsible innovation in accordance with the Secretary General’s recommendation in the new Agenda for Peace. Mr. President, to fulfill that recommendation, Slovenia believes it is essential to establish a robust international framework to govern the responsible use of science, technology, and innovation, ensuring it contributes to peace rather than exacerbates tensions. In our view, drawing on UN processes related to new and emerging technologies, such an international framework must consist of at least two components. First, there must be a clear consensus among the member states that international law, particularly international humanitarian and human rights law, applies to developments in science and technology and innovation. Second, there must be the establishment of norms, rules, and principles that govern the development, deployment, and use of these advancements to mitigate risks. The framework must strike a balance between innovation and ethical standards, ensuring that scientific developments and technological progress do not undermine stability or create new security threats. Mr. President, let me underscore that STI has the potential for concrete applications that support the Security Council decisions. On one hand, it enables the incorporation of evidence-based information into its decision-making process. Recognizing the importance placed by the Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board on evidence-based decision-making, we emphasize the UN’s critical role in providing neutral and impartial analysis to the Security Council. In different instances, such analysis can also be provided by other trusted actors. On the other hand, developments in STI hold promise for improving various aspects of the work of UN integrated missions. The combined use of satellite imagery, AI, and quantum computing can identify, for instance, climate and environmental factors that drive conflict and instability, pinpoint hotspots where intervention may be needed, and assist in logistics and mission planning. Through advanced data analytics, these developments can also provide vital protection for women and girls by identifying patterns of sexual and gender-based violence and enhancing the response of peacekeeping forces to threats against people in vulnerable situations. Mr. President, to conclude, by leveraging developments in STI and strategic foresight, the Security Council can, in our opinion, become better equipped to enhance international peace and security through improved conflict prevention and peace-building. Thank you.

United States:
Mr. President, Federal Councillor Cassis, thank you for calling this session and we’d like to express appreciation to Switzerland. for leading the discussion on the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security. Thank you also to our briefers, Mr. Geiss, Dr. Bloch, Dr. Courtine, and Mr. Awad, for your insightful comments. As President Biden emphasized to the General Assembly, the question with respect to technologies such as artificial intelligence is how we govern them and manage their associated risks, rather than allowing the technology to govern us. The United States has been at the forefront of these efforts. Last March, all 193 member states joined consensus and adopted the first GA resolution, setting out a common framework for safe, secure, trustworthy AI. The resolution recognizes the tremendous potential for AI to help accelerate progress toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and also the imperative of ensuring that AI systems are designed, tested, and deployed in a manner consistent with the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. That resolution left no one behind, and indeed laid the groundwork for AI systems that leave no one behind by focusing on capacity building and closing digital divides. It emphasized that AI shouldn’t be used to undermine peace or repress human rights. It called on those creating advanced AI models to be responsible when it comes to developing and launching new capabilities, and to root out bias and discrimination in AI systems. And it set the stage for more close collaboration and conversation on both within the UN and beyond. The United States was proud to support the Global Digital Compact, which clarified the agenda for that cooperation and and cemented our shared commitment to leveraging technology to advance common good. The United States also supports the commitments in the Pact for the Future on preventing an arms race in outer space, advancing discussion on lethal autonomous weapons, bridging digital divides, and regular updates by the Secretary General on the impact of science and technology on security and disarmament efforts. Mr. President, today’s meeting also is a recognition of how dependent our societies have become on science and technology. The Security Council has an important duty to protect that technology. Earlier this year, the United States, joined by 65 countries, put forward a Security Council resolution that affirms the Outer Space Treaty and calls on all member states not to develop nuclear weapons specifically designed to be placed in orbit. That resolution, which was a product of nearly two months of constructive negotiations, reflected a simple reality. Placement of nuclear weapons into orbit would not only violate the Outer Space Treaty, it would also threaten human spaceflight, as well as the vital communications, scientific, meteorological, agricultural, commercial, and national security services that any and all satellites provide to people around the globe. Regrettably, one member of this Council, the Russian Federation, voted against that resolution, so it was not adopted. It should not have been controversial for the Security Council to affirm the obligations of parties under the Outer Space Treaty, nor should it have been difficult to ask that states work together toward our shared interests. The Security Council needs to address existing risks, even as it monitors for new ones. President, we also recognize that technology also can infringe on human rights. Authoritarian regimes are co-opting technology to censor, surveil, and manipulate it. or repress their citizens including by restricting internet connectivity and spreading disinformation online. It is vital that we confront these abuses. The United States is proud to stand alongside dozens of other countries working under the umbrella of the Freedom Online Coalition to support democratic principles, to safeguard a free and open internet, and to advocate for steps to ensure that or to help ensure that digital technologies enhance the rights and the privacy of our people and expand broad-based opportunity. For example, the United States, Germany, and Estonia supported the Open Technology Fund which helped millions of people acquire virtual private networks and empowered journalists and activists around the globe from Russia to Iran to Cuba. The United States also joined fellow democracies in signing the Council of Europe’s AI Convention, the world’s first multilateral treaty on AI and human rights. We thank Switzerland once again for its leadership on these critical issues. Thank you.

President – Switzerland:
I thank the representative of the United States for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Russian Federation:
Minister, we welcome your personal participation in the meeting today and we are grateful to the briefers for their statements. The topic you chose today of the links of the most important processes for us with science is something that everyone is talking about because science and technologies are future development, independence, and safety. But in this as well as in other areas, some countries have it all and others nothing. And we would like to contribute to this very topical discussion, contribution having to do with one of the main tasks for the UN, namely overcoming inequality and resolving its impact. Scientific research, technical advances, innovations can indeed play the role in preventing conflict and in strengthening peace by assisting with socioeconomic development. For example, the modern systems of water resource management help prevent water crises in arid regions. Energy technologies lower dependence on fossil resources. Agro-environmental technologies lower the risk of food crises. Unmanned aircraft supply medicines and food to hard-to-reach areas and can thus help assist humanitarian missions. And telemedicine provides medical assistance in crisis situations remotely. At the same time, the priority for international cooperation should be not hiding behind pretty slogans whilst enshrining the technological supremacy of one country over others, but rather the bridging of a technological and digital gap between the developed and developing countries. Modern technologies and scientific data is a critical factor for socio-economic development and for overcoming inequality. But many countries, particularly in the global south, still have no access to these resources, and this makes them more vulnerable to conflicts and crises. Technologies and know-how should be accessible to all without discrimination, help development and build peace, and this is a must. Russia helps strengthen the technological sovereignty of its partners in various areas, first and foremost in energy. We help create full scientific and manufacturing chains. That’s how our cooperation in the area of peaceful nuclear is developing, where our Rosatom stations are built abroad at the same time as we prepare local professionals, engineers, workers and managers for the new facilities. In essence, what we do is not just building a power station, but as they say in Rosatom, we create a new branch for our partners, a new branch of energy and economy. Mr. President, let’s move on to the topic of the development of science and technology to the issues of international peace and technology. When discussing here in Security Council, we need to bear in mind the processes which have been going on for years in the General Assembly, in the first committee of the General Assembly, first and foremost. A very good example of that is the open-ended work working group on ICT security. It was established upon my country’s initiative. This mechanism within its mandate considers all aspects of security, whilst using information communication technologies. And that inclusive platform makes decisions by consensus. All 193 members have equal discussion on this complicated and still not entirely explored topic. And they use technical expertise in their discussions. One of the key elements of their mandate is deepening a general understanding of the international community of how exactly the international law applies in ICT. There are also related processes on the military aspects of the use of artificial intelligence. In particular, we have the group of government experts on lethal autonomous weapon systems under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. The issues of developing biological attack agents of new generation uncontrolled biotechnology and the issue of sensitive advances ending up in terrorist organizations is being considered by states’ parties to the biological and toxic weapons conventions. We need to resume negotiations on universal, legally binding, non-discriminatory protocol with an effective verification mechanism under biological and toxic weapons commissions, and having within a convention a mechanism to survey the scientific and technological advances in that area. At the same time, what is a must is to take into account the continued discussion, including the negotiating work which is taking place at the platforms I mentioned. For as long as it’s going on, I think the Security Council, it would be premature to preempt their conclusions. It is extremely important to avoid a duplicating of efforts so as not to undermine the integrity of processes. For the same reason, we should not intrude on the mandate of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, which considers all of the issues having to do with peacekeeping developments, its technology and resources, with the participation of those countries who host U.N. missions and the countries which provide military and police contingents. We do not think that it is in the function of the Council to discuss some new generation of soldiers, more effective fighters. This is the antithesis of what we need to do to attain a political settlement of conflicts and attain peace. Our American colleague today mentioned a resolution which they tabled in Security Council on non-deployment of weapons of mass destruction in outer space. This provision is contained in the Outer Space Treaty and no one is questioning that and everyone signed on to it. For some reason, our American colleagues continue refusing to mention in the resolution other weapons, also strategic weapons, not weapons of mass destruction. The answer to the question is very simple, because exactly they want to deploy the kind of intent to deploy that kind of weapon in outer space. So rather than looking for a mote in our eyes, you can look at the beam in your own. Mr. President, in conclusion, I would like to dwell on the most important trend in the area of scientific cooperation, which unfortunately is not reflected in your concept note. In addition to the obvious and still unresolved gap between developed and developing countries when it comes to access to scientific advances, instead of supporting global scientific cooperation on the basis of fairness and openness, what we’re witnessing in examples of historic links being broken and direct discrimination. Recently, we have been witnessing the examples of cancel culture, including against us. For example, the European Organization for Nuclear Research in the near future will stop cooperating with those scientists which are affiliated. with Russian science organizations. A similar situation is something that we’re witnessing at the European XFEL. There a temporary ban is introduced for Russian scientists to use a facility. More than that, we’re witnessing at the CERN the phenomenon of poaching of our scientists through the Scientific Citizenship Exchange. Another example, a discriminatory request on the part of the International Geological to Russian scientists to change their Russian affiliation for affiliation with other countries as a precondition for their participation in the meeting in Pusan this year. It is unacceptable to have a situation where political differences impede scientific process. This weakens not just the world’s scientific communities, but also undermines the possibility of using science and technologies which are tasks as ensuring peace and prosperity. And the most vulnerable countries will suffer from such an approach, and prospects of attaining a technological and overall comprehensive sovereignty will become even more remote for them. I thank you.

President – Switzerland:
I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Mozambique for your statement.

Mozambique:
President, Mozambique commend the Switzerland presidency for convening this crucial and timely high-level session on anticipating the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security. We extend our profound appreciation to the expertise and insights offered by our distinguished briefers. Their contributions illustrate the value of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex global challenges of our time. Mr. President, the United Nations was born on the vision of prevention, to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. This is, in our view, what makes the Swiss theme most relevant. The rapid advancement in science and technology have opened up new avenues to address the complex challenges we face. They enhance our ability to respond to immediate threats, and they can pave the way for a lasting peace, security, and prosperity for the humankind. However, the potential dual use of scientific and technological advances cannot be ignored. While they offer, on one hand, ample benefits, they can also pose significant risks to international peace and security, and a few can be highlighted. One, innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics, and other fields can lead to the development of advanced weaponry, potentially destabilizing global peace and security. Two, as the world becomes more interconnected, the potential for cyber attack increases, targeting critical infrastructure and sensitive data, posing serious threat to international peace and security. Three, advances in synthetic biology could lead to the creation of new pathogens, posing biosecurity threats. To mitigate these and other connected risks, it is crucial that we, the United Nations, establish robust ethical guidelines, regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation. It also requires strong, decisive, and combined actions which, among others, include the following. One, adopting constructive approaches that promote transparency in accordance with international agreed principles and norms. Two, holding regular briefings and producing reports for the fruition of the entire international community on the latest scientific advancements and their possible impacts on peace and security. Three, engaging in scenario plannings to explore various future possibilities and develop strategies to address potential risks and opportunities. Four, creating and strengthening panels of scientists, technologists, and ethicists to continuously monitor and assess emerging technologies and their potential implications. Five, improving predictive analytics to help anticipate and prevent conflicts, allowing for proactive measures rather than reactive responses. Six, on the basis of shared goals, fostering international collaboration to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in managing technological advancements. Seven, investing in technical and institutional capacity building to ensure that no nation is left behind, that all nations, especially the developing countries with the limited resources, can effectively manage and benefit from scientific development. This includes education, training, and infrastructure development. By taking these steps, this Council and the international community as a whole can better anticipate and mitigate the risks associated with scientific developments, ensuring a more secure, peaceful, and just world. Mr. President, we believe the Pact for the Future we have just adopted a few weeks ago breathes new life into our collective aspirations. By reinforcing a multilateral system grounded in shared principles, vision, and goals, we can foster stronger global cooperation to benefit international peace and security, always guided by the Charter of the United Nations and the international law. I thank you.

President – Switzerland:
I thank the representative of Mozambique for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Ecuador.

Ecuador:
Thank you, Mr. President. Foreign Minister Cassis, I’d like to thank Switzerland for organizing this visionary meeting and the panelists for their valuable contributions. Science and technology have always been at the heart of human progress. Today, we are at an inflection point. Scientific and technological progress promises to improve our societies at the same time as presenting unprecedented challenges for global stability. The Security Council must maintain its ability to adapt and respond to emerging dynamics in a world that is in constant flux. This Council can benefit from science, data, and statistics as tools for taking decisions, always using humane management and through inclusive, ethical, and depoliticized scientific cooperation. Making use of the technological tsunami should mean that debates in the Security Council are on the basis of solid information which will include precise statistics, projections, and proposed solutions which will facilitate the achievement of operational results, avoiding discussions being limited to merely a theoretical approach. Peacekeeping operations can be strengthened by the inclusion of advanced technology in their mandates. Tools such as artificial intelligence and the management of metadata are already showing their value in areas such as logistical planning, risk analysis, and emergency response. However, the implementation of these technologies must be made using a responsible approach, ensuring adequate management of data and respecting the sovereignty of the host countries. Likewise, this Council must pay particular attention to the implications of developments in the area of neurotechnology, synthetic biology, and quantum technologies and others. These have an effect on international peace and security. We must benefit from the advantages without ignoring the associated risks in their development. Quantum computing, for example, could endanger global cybersecurity in the near term, threatening to crack even the most advanced encryptions, leading to cases in the International Criminal Court. Likewise, the use of neurotechnology presents serious ethical concerns, opening up the possibility for possible brainwashing. chain hacking, and the manipulation of cognitive and sensorial capacities of soldiers, it’s imperative that advances in these and other areas be carried out within solid normative frameworks that will guarantee respect for international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights. Likewise, we must apply the principles of sustainable development and strengthening of capacity and transfer of technology in order to close the digital divide between developed and developing countries. Mr. President, the Pact for the Future, approved by our heads of state and government, recalls to us the transformative power of science, technology, and innovation, and that this must be in the service of humanity. Ecuador supports this call and we reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism as the only viable way to face current global challenges. Therefore, in conclusion, I express the hope that we will be able to stop a potential race for technological and arms domination on the part of the major powers based on artificial intelligence and synthetic biology in favor of the well-being of humanity understood in its broadest sense, which can be summed up in the three pillars of the United Nations Charter. We must use scientific progress to promote peace, human rights, and sustainable development and equality between nations. This is a task that we must assume with responsibility, guaranteeing that these benefits will reach all peoples, particularly countries – the developing countries – with the aim of leaving no one behind. Thank you very much.

President – Switzerland:
I thank the representative of Ecuador for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone:
Thank you, Mr. President. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Switzerland for convening this very important meeting. I thank the bravest Mr. Robin Gates, Dr. Jocelyn Block, Dr. Grégoire Courtine, and Mr. Amin Awad for their valuable contributions to today’s discussion. The topic, Anticipating the Impact of Scientific Development on Peace and Security, is both timely and highly relevant. We are encouraged that the Security Council continues to engage on this issue, which is acknowledged in the Pact for the Future and the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace. Thank you very much. and security is undeniable, and it is essential for the Council to keep pace with these developments. Sierra Leone recognizes the transformative power of science and technology in advancing human dignity, human rights, and environmental protection and sustainable development. The potential for scientific development and innovations to positively impact peace and security is considerable. However, the same scientific and technological advancements, if not regulated or if abused or misused, pose significant risks to global stability. It is for this reason that we emphasize the responsibility of the Security Council to remain informed and proactive in addressing scientific developments, whether it is the proliferation of artificial intelligence, autonomous weapon systems, biotechnology, or quantum technologies, the Council must ensure that such advancements are used to support, not undermine, international peace and security. In this regard, Sierra Leone joins Switzerland and Slovenia in the media’s takeout before the commencement of this meeting to call for joint action on the UN Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace, which was launched during the presidency of Sierra Leone in August this year. One of our intentions is to work with Council members to integrate scientific knowledge into the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace as affirmed in the Pact for the Future. Leveraging data-driven insights and the latest scientific tools into ALIA can enhance our collective ability to anticipate and prevent conflict. Mr. President, the United Nations has long recognized, dating back to the adoption of Resolution 43-77 in 1988 bore the promise and challenges of scientific and technological innovations. This includes the need to establish normative frameworks that ensure safe and responsible applications of these technologies for the benefit of all humanity. On 13 June 2024, the African Union Peace and Security Council, during its discussion on the topic, Looking into the Future, Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Peace and Security in Africa, underscored the importance of continuous dialogue and enhanced collaboration. It was emphasized that member states, regional economic communities, and regional mechanisms, the private sector, the think tanks, the African Union, the United Nations, and other stakeholders must work together to ensure a harmonized approach in harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the session called for the urgent development of a global compact on artificial intelligence, recognizing the need for collective international efforts to establish principles and frameworks that guide the responsible and beneficial use of AI in promoting peace and security across Africa and beyond. Additionally, the African Union Development Agency has published a white paper on the regulation and responsible adoption of AI in Africa. The white paper sets out to demystify AI by providing the reader many already existing examples of AI uses in Africa and gives African governments recommendations on what their next steps should be. Mr. President, this past August, council members engaged with experts from the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator on the margins of the commemorative event of the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Convention to explore the implications of rapid advancement in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, synthetic biology, and new technology for global peace and security. This discussion highlighted the urgent need for the Council to develop strategies to manage both the risks and opportunities associated with these innovations. In this regard, Sierra Leone wishes to make four key points. First, scientific and technological innovations can be harnessed to meet sustainable development goals and address root causes of conflict. For example, in the Sahara-Sahel region, high-resolution satellites and machine learning tools are being used to monitor vegetation and inform policies that address food insecurity. Similar innovations are being utilized in humanitarian settings for real-time planning and support during crisis. Climate science advancements, such as adaptive crops, will continue to help mitigate conflict by addressing the challenges of food scarcity and resource competition. Quantum technology, including quantum sensing and computing, offers both opportunities and risks. While it enhances military capabilities and problem-solving, it also raises concerns about ethical use and security threats. Similarly, the deployment of AI in robotics, drones, and human augmentation presents both humanitarian opportunities and potential harm, particularly in the area of peacekeeping and conflict management. Second, while scientific advancements offer immense promise, they also widen the technological gaps between developed and developing nations. Barriers to access, funding, and research and development disproportionately affect poorer countries, limiting their ability to benefit from innovations. It is crucial to establish frameworks that promote equitable access to technology and ensure that all nations can participate in and benefit from scientific progress. Third, effectively harnessing scientific innovations for peace and security requires enhanced international cooperation. The Secretary General’s report on current developments in science and technology emphasizes the need for multilateral forums to address the potential impact of this advancement on global security. A rules-based system with compliance and accountability mechanisms is essential to regulate technologies such as nuclear power, 3D printing of weapons, and biotechnologies, which pose significant risks if misused by non-state actors. Strengthening collaboration across borders and fostering responsible research will help mitigate these risks. Sierra Leone supports efforts to integrate science and technology into peace-building policies and to ensure that innovations are used for the greater good. Finally, Mr. President, Sierra Leone reaffirms its commitment to working with international partners to leverage global expertise and best practices in scientific research. We look forward to more engagement on these critical issues, particularly in the context of implementing the Pact for the Future and the Secretary General’s new Agenda for Peace. We stand ready to contribute to efforts that promote inclusive and equitable access to scientific knowledge, ensuring that all nations can benefit from and contribute to global peace and security. I thank you.

President – Switzerland:
I thank the representative of Sierra Leone for their statement. Ladies and gentlemen, there are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.