The United Nations chief told the Security Council that the fate of humanity cannot be left to algorithms
Addressing ministers and ambassadors, António Guterres warned that the rapid development of AI is outpacing the human ability to manage it, raising important questions about accountability, equality, safety and human oversight in decision making.
“Every moment of delay in establishing international barriers increases the risks for us all”, Mr. Guterres speak.
“No country may design, develop, deploy or use military applications of AI in armed conflict in violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. That includes relying on AI to select or engage targets automatically.”
He also emphasized that geopolitical competition over emerging technologies must not destabilize international peace and security.
A double-edged sword
In his speech, Mr. Guterres emphasized the double-edged nature of AI, noting its potential to predict displacement due to climate change or detect landmines. However, its integration into military systems and its misuse in Digital security poses great risks.
“Recent conflicts have become testing grounds for military applications of AI,” he said, citing the use of AI in automated surveillance, predictive policing and even reporting on life-or-death decisions.
Particularly alarming, he emphasized, is the possibility of integrating AI with nuclear weapons and the emergence of quantum AI systems that could destabilize global security.
“The fate of humanity should never be left to the ‘black box’ of an algorithm,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of human control over decisions regarding the use of force.
Erosion of trust
The role of AI in the information sector is another area of concern, Mr. Guterres said, pointing out that deep fake news and misinformation created by AI can manipulate public opinion, causing crisis and erodes trust in society.
He also drew attention to the environmental risks of AI, highlighting the resource-intensive nature of data centers and geopolitical competition for critical minerals needed for the technology WHO.
“Unprecedented global challenges require unprecedented global cooperation,” he said, calling for collaborative efforts to ensuring AI benefits everyone and does not exacerbate inequality.
Call for a global framework
Mr. Guterres outlined recent steps toward establishing global governance for AI, including the adoption of the United Nations Global Digital Compact at the AI Summit. Future Summitand two important resolutions at the General Assembly on strengthen global cooperation and capacity building.
The third resolution – focusing on AI in the military sector – will be considered by the General Assembly in the coming days.
Concluding his speech, Mr. Guterres reiterated his call for a ban on lethal automatic weapons, he said, calling for Security Council set an example in preventing the militarization of AI in ways that destabilize international peace and security.
“I call on all of you to join forces to build a safe, secure, and inclusive AI future.”
