Renewed commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and the need to ensure that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military domain complies with international law were highlighted in the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) as it concluded its general debate today.
The representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo noted that nuclear-weapon States continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals, and military expenditure is only increasing. He spotlighted an urgent need to rebuild trust and to demonstrate political will for States to take tangible measures to renew their commitment to nuclear disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy in accordance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
He welcomed the increasing global support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). “We call on all States to participate in the first TPNW Review Conference to be held in New York between 30 November and 4 December under the presidency of South Africa,” he said.
He also urged States to negotiate a legally binding instrument to ensure that technological progress contributes to the well-being of humankind and that AI in the military domain remains compatible with international law. “Human beings must remain at the heart of military manoeuvres; machines must not assume control,” he stressed.
Similarly, Guinea’s delegate emphasized the need to maintain effective human control over decisions on the use of force and to ensure that the development and use of such technologies remain in accordance with the applicable rules of international law. He called for an inclusive dialogue to prevent the risks associated with these technologies and to promote their responsible use.
“We further reaffirm our commitment to the Treaty of Pelindaba, which enshrines Africa as a nuclear-weapon-free zone, and we also support initiatives aimed at establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East,” he said, expressing concern about the increase in global military spending, while the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals continues to face significant funding gaps.
Committee Chair Lok Bahadur Thapa (Nepal) said that 160 delegations spoke during this year’s general debate, up from last year’s 156.