Artificial Intelligence (AI) is defined as the ability of machines and systems to acquire and apply knowledge, and to carry out intelligent behavior. As we approach the Sixth Industrial Revolution, AI is becoming more accessible to the wider public and the rapid rate at which it is developing is causing some concern. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has noted that — “while it took more than 50 years for printed books to become widely available across Europe — “ChatGPT reached 100 million users in just two months”.
Recognizing the potential for AI to transform societies in positive and negative ways, the Council recently convened a high-level briefing to discuss the impact AI could have on international peace and security and to promote its safe and responsible use. The ways in which AI can assist peacebuilding and the work of the UN in other areas is considerable. They include the potential to:
- improve conflict analysis, early warning and prevention efforts
- support mediation and peacebuilding activities,
- help monitor ceasefires in real time and to improve the accuracy of mine clearance operations.
It is also being explored by mediators as a tool that can be used to hold real-time consultations with a large group of individuals in local dialects and languages. Finally many experts have pointed out that it can help increase the pace of drug discovery by identifying chemicals, molecules and compounds that may best target specific diseases; help adapt to the worst effects of climate change by using AI to advance weather prediction; tackle corruption by allowing financial services companies to better identify fraudulent or corrupt activities; and provide a quality education for all through the development of personalized, adaptive and intelligent learning systems.
At the same time, experts warn that advanced AI systems can be misused in launching cyberattacks and in the design of weapons of mass destruction and lethal autonomous weapon systems that is also an emerging area of concern. Furthermore, its ability to create and distribute highly realistic manipulated imagery, video and audio at an unprecedented pace and scale can amplify mis- and dis-information that can used against UN Peacekeeping Missions and negatively impact both global security and the United Nations itself if people are not able to believe what they see and read. A 2022 survey found that nearly half of all United Nations peacekeepers believe that mis- and disinformation threaten their safety and security and obstruct missions from conducting life-saving work.
There are three questions the Security Council needs to consider:
- How can Security Council members promote the safe and responsible development of AI to maintain international peace and security, while supporting the opportunities it brings for sustainable development?
- How can AI be used to enhance the United Nations peace and security?
- How can the Council better monitor and prevent the emerging risk that the development and use of AI could exacerbate conflicts and instability?
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