Delivered by: Ahmed AlMahmoud, Political Coordinator and Sanctions Coordinator

I’d like to thank Switzerland for convening this meeting. I’d also like to thank the briefers for their insightful contributions.

Science, technology, and innovation are progressing at a rate and scale previously unseen. As we heard from our briefers today, there is a growing recognition of the multiple ways in which advanced technologies can be applied to enhance the effectiveness of conflict resolution, humanitarian action, peacebuilding, and mediation.

This conversation on the future of technology for peace and security is all the more important this year, when we are preparing for the landmark Summit of the Future and the Global Digital Compact.

I want to touch on three areas where utilizing STI can help us shift from reaction to prevention.

First, climate is one of the areas that lends itself most readily to leveraging technologies and science for preventative action.

With climate change acting as a risk-multiplier, climate action can be a powerful force to prevent food and water insecurity, displacement, and ultimately instability.

Mapping and foresight of climate scenarios can help inform risk management strategies and improve the performance of peacekeepers in responding to risks.

We applaud the ongoing work of the UN in the framework of the UN 2.0 strategy for leveraging cutting-edge technologies to inform the UN’s climate risk analysis. This work will bear fruit if the Council stays continuously informed on its outcomes. We therefore support further integration of standardized assessment of the impacts of climate change into the SG’s reports in all vulnerable contexts.

Second, anticipatory action. Here science—in particular climate science—plays a crucial role.

When there is a scientifically credible prediction of a disaster, disseminating funding in advance of a natural catastrophe based on pre-agreed indicators, humanitarian needs could be significantly reduced.

With the global demand for humanitarian assistance far exceeding supply, the mainstreaming of science-informed anticipatory action could help to both save lives and efficiently use humanitarian assistance.

Third, and finally, it is critical that member states harness the benefits of science, technology, and innovation to address threats that lead to instability and conflict.

This includes addressing hate speech, extremism, discrimination, related forms of intolerance, disinformation and misinformation, as recognized by resolution 2686 on ‘Tolerance, Peace and Security’. These threats are amplified by the misuse of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Emerging technologies, in particular AI-driven tools and quantum computing, have the potential to analyse vast amounts of data, trends, and patterns more effectively, but also to develop scenarios and simulate policy decisions and possible solutions. It is therefore vital that the international community, including the Security Council, utilizes science, technology, and innovation to strengthen conflict prevention efforts and enhance societal resilience.

However, we have to proactively set standards and guidelines for the responsible use of AI to strike a balance between innovation on the one hand and providing safeguards on the other hand. Drawing on the collaborative expertise, tools, and efforts of governments, the UN system, scientists, technology companies, the private sector, civil society, and academia, will not only enhance the accuracy of AI and technology systems, but also its effective use in efforts to prevent and counter threats to international peace and security.

Thank you, Chair.