AI has a significant impact on international peace and security, with growing warnings about the risks of this advanced technology being exploited in arms races, leading to unforeseeable consequences.
The global conference on AI, Security, and Ethics, organised by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), serves as a platform for leaders and experts to discuss measures to manage AI, ensuring that this technology is not exploited to harm global peace and stability.
Recently, numerous organisations and tech corporations have reaped benefits from investing heavily in AI.
Alphabet Inc. achieved revenue of 96.5 billion USD in the fourth quarter of 2024, a 12% increase from the same period in 2023. This growth was largely driven by the robust performance of Google Cloud services, AI, and related AI generation solutions.
AI is permeating every aspect of social life, including business, education, healthcare, and agriculture. This technology plays a crucial role in promoting peace by analysing historical conflict data to detect early signs of conflict, thereby preventing wars.
AI has improved the accuracy of natural disaster forecasts and models. In the military, AI-powered robots can perform dangerous tasks such as mine clearance, reducing risks for soldiers and communities while enhancing operational efficiency.
However, the AI boom has prompted governments to rush to manage this rapidly developing and potentially dangerous technology.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concerns that recent conflicts have become testing grounds for military AI applications.
The recent wave of violence in Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, where AI was exploited to exacerbate tensions, serves as an example.
According to researchers at the fact-checking organisation Verify-Sy, misinformation swept Syria. Verify-Sy observed an increase in AI use to manipulate footage and alter voices, creating false content that incited violence across the internet.
Recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have shown that AI applications have made weapon systems intelligent enough to autonomously seek, track, and destroy targets without human intervention.
Humanity’s hand-created AI. Humanity’s hand must guide it forward.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Recognising the dangers of uncontrolled AI development and application, in September 2024, the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit, focusing on responsible AI use in the military, was held in Seoul, the Republic of Korea to discuss these risks.
The summit adopted an action plan outlining key principles for the international community to use AI responsibly for global benefit and security.
At a meeting on AI of the United Nations Security Council in December 2024, participants committed to establishing a global AI management framework, including setting up an international scientific council and expanding dialogue on AI governance.
Emphasising the central role of humans in developing and applying AI is crucial to ensure that this technology is used correctly for peace and prosperity, rather than being exploited as a “killing tool,” as Secretary-General Guterres emphasised: “Humanity’s hand-created AI. Humanity’s hand must guide it forward.”
