At a time when many States warn that the global disarmament architecture is failing, an area of convergence emerged during the First Committee’s (Disarmament and International Security) general debate today: countries across geopolitical divides increasingly agree that humans, not algorithms, must retain ultimate control over the use of force.
Sri Lanka’s delegate observed that, while the most immediate dangers in many communities still stem from conventional weapons, lethal autonomous weapons systems are emerging as a new threat. “As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more capable, human judgment and control must remain clear throughout the lifecycle of the weapon,” he underscored.
In the same vein, the United Kingdom’s representative warned that rapid technological change is creating new security challenges. He noted that, last month, after more than a decade of debate over lethal autonomous weapons systems, the Group of Governmental Experts on the matter agreed on a set of elements for a possible future instrument to regulate such arms.
The representative of Italy stressed that new and emerging technologies are rapidly transforming societies, economies and the way wars are fought. Their military applications, particularly AI, have become one of the most pressing challenges, he said.
“Human beings must remain responsible for decisions concerning the use of force, and international humanitarian law must remain fully applicable regardless of the technologies employed,” he underscored, welcoming the consensus reached this year by the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems.
Warnings against ‘Amnesia’ in Disarmament
A widening crisis of trust in the international security system also emerged as a central theme during today’s meeting.
Colombia’s delegate recalled that the Conference on Disarmament has gone years without negotiating a treaty, the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference concluded without an outcome document for the third consecutive time, and the First Committee had to adopt its programme of work through a vote. “This shows that there is a much deeper crisis, marked by strategic mistrust and a growing gap between the ability to exercise force and the limits, controls and responsibilities that must govern its use,” he observed.
Senegal’s representative strongly condemned the lack of action by disarmament bodies. “While more than 110 armed conflicts are raging around the world, States continue to spend nearly $3 trillion on military expenditures, a figure that has increased for 11 consecutive years,” he noted. Recalling that sessions organized to structure the process had traditionally reached consensus on working methods, he said States are increasingly using them to obstruct the conditions necessary for carrying out substantive work.
“Trust between States is eroding, and trust in disarmament instruments and institutions is crumbling,” he stressed. “Given this collective amnesia, it is time to sound the alarm,” he said, urging all to remember that peace must remain the guiding principle of their actions and that diplomacy is the beating heart of the First Committee. “More than ever, we must replace the logic of blocs and confrontation with that of cooperation and mutual respect in order to foster pragmatic discussions aimed at preserving international peace and security,” he stated.
Urgent Need to Reduce Risks
Several delegates stressed the urgent need to defuse tensions. Citing her country’s experience of war, Croatia’s representative reminded delegates that peace requires diplomacy, respect for international commitments and a shared responsibility for security. “Our task is clear: reduce risks, prevent escalation and strengthen international security,” she said, adding that disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control remain key to translating these objectives into practice.
The representative of Nigeria called for definite, transparent, verifiable and irreversible measures towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons. “Risk-reduction measures are important, but they are not a substitute for disarmament,” he noted.
The debate underscored a broader concern shared by many delegations: growing geopolitical tensions and armed conflicts are straining the international security architecture, even as States seek to advance disarmament and risk-reduction efforts. Against that backdrop, several speakers highlighted the need to uphold international law, strengthen accountability and prevent further escalation.
Speaking on behalf of 46 countries, including his own, and the European Union, the representative of Ukraine recalled that the Russian Federation’s war of aggression is a blatant violation of international law and poses a threat not only to Ukraine, but also to international peace and security. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s actions, including its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric in the context of its war of aggression against Ukraine,” he said, also condemning the continued military support provided by Belarus, Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.