ARRIA FORMULA MEETING OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL
ON
HARNESSING SAFE, INCLUSIVE, TRUSTWORTHY AI FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
NORDIC BALTIC STATEMENT
Chairperson,
I deliver this statement on behalf of Nordic and Baltic countries - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Latvia.
We welcome the initiative by Greece, France, the Republic of Korea and the co-sponsors to organize this meeting and thank the briefers for sharing their insights.
Chairperson,
Artificial intelligence is transforming all dimensions of human life. It has the potential to drive scientific breakthroughs, unlock economic opportunities, and fast-track progress toward achieving the SDGs. Considering its cross-cutting implications, AI must be developed, used and governed responsibly, and in the interest of all, in a way that respects human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Adequate global norms and standards on AI are necessary to ensure that innovation supports and not undermines global security.
We need to continue structured discussion at the Security Council, as well as in other relevant UN bodies, as mandated by the Pact for the Future, to deepen common understandings, and agree on rules and principles, as necessary. We welcome the ongoing consultations on a global dialogue on AI governance and establishment of the Independent International Scientific Panel, as agreed in the Global Digital Compact. As agreed, they should build upon relevant international initiatives, including recent summits in Paris, Seoul, and Bletchley Park.
Let me outline three key principles regarding these deliberations.
First, our approach to A.I. must be guided by and in line with existing international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Human rights must be respected, protected and promoted – online and offline.
Second, AI has to be human-centric. Human oversight, control, and accountability has to be preserved across its lifecycle to mitigate safety and security risks. Of particular concern to us is the potential detrimental impact of AI on information integrity and its use for information manipulation. We need to seek ways how AI itself can assist efforts to counter disinformation.
Third, potential application of AI in the military domain demands particular attention. In addition to misuse, there are risks related to, inter alia, unpredictability, data bias and lack of accountability of AI systems. That said, AI can offer benefits, such as improved response to cyberattacks, protection of civilians and early warning, which is also relevant for UN peacekeeping. There is potential for AI to assist arms control and disarmament verification efforts. It is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of all aspects of the military applications of AI. The Council has a crucial role to play.
An important track is related to the issue of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), in particular within the Group of Governmental Experts of the CCW. We must clarify how IHL applies to LAWS to ensure that the development and use of LAWS is fully compliant.
Furthermore, we support multilateral initiatives to define wider principles and norms for responsible military use of AI, including through the REAIM summit process. We are looking forward to summit in Spain to advance this discussion, especially on legal and ethical considerations.
To conclude, our countries are committed to safe, inclusive, and trustworthy AI as a step toward a future where technology reinforces our collective pursuit of peace and security.
I thank you.